BLOG | Hawkeye

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 20 January 2025

The Middlesex-London Health Unit in Ontario is asking the public not to touch wild birds. This is in response to positive identification of several wild birds who succumbed to Avian Influenza in recent months.

Canada Geese and Avian Flu

Recently, Ontario has seen an increase in the identification of birds killed by a deadly strain of avian flu known as H5NX. Three Canadian Geese recently found deceased in London and Strathroy tested positive for the highly pathogenic strain. In general, wild aquatic birds (water fowl) like geese, ducks, swans, and storks are most likely to harbor the disease - Avian influenza A viruses occur naturally in wild aquatic birds. 

How is Avian Influenza Transmitted?

Who is at Risk of contracting Bird Flu?

Agricultural workers, particularly poultry and cattle farm workers and operators face the highest risk of coming in contact with Bird Flu. To a lesser extent, landfill workers may also be exposed - even though there are strict regulations when it comes to the disposal of dead birds.

Signs of Avian Influenza

Birds infected with Avian Influenza

Most people's instinct is to help when we see a struggling animal. If you observe any of the following symptoms in a wild bird, please resist the urge to help or comfort:

• Lack of energy or movement - Lethargy
• Nervousness, tremors, or lack of coordination
• Swelling around the head, neck, and eyes
• Coughing, gasping for air, or sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Sudden death

Avian Flu in Pets

Domestic Pets, can become infected and suffer from Avian Influenza. Cats in particular can experience severe illness leading to eventual death from infection with H5N1. Dogs can also contract the virus, although they usually exhibit mild clinical signs and low mortality compared to cats. Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

• Lethargy and Weakness: A noticeable lack of energy or not doing normal activities.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature, which may make your pet seem more sluggish or uncomfortable.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset that is unusual for your pet
• What to do if you find a Dead Bird

Read more: Ontarians are Warned to Avoid Contact with Wild Birds

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 16 January 2025

Good Lord, we're in the midst of a cold spell - why are we talking about Migratory Bird Permits?

Most Bird Control Efforts require Migratory Bird Permits

While we may still be stuck in the middle of winter, pest bird season and with it the need to implement bird control and/or removal efforts is on its way. In Canada, most birds that cause problems or damages are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and you are required to obtain one or more permits before attempting to deal with them. Some birds or municipalities may impose local restrictions in addition to the migratory bird permits. Depending on the permit rquested, processing time can range from 2 to 8 weeks. It is important to note that once birds have started nesting, it's just about too late for any meaningful control measures. If nests contain eggs, they have to be left alone until the hatchlings have turned into fledglings and left the nest. The list of most common birds (or nests) that require relocation includes (but is not limited to):

Canada Geese

You can find Canada Geese in nearly any area with water, ponds, lakes, or rivers. They spend as much time in water as they do on land. Water is their safe zone to flee to when evading fox, coyote, and other predators. In urban environments, you will find geese on beaches, golf courses, in marinas, parks, or just about anywhere else offering a green space.

Gulls

Gulls (or often called Seagulls) are also found near water; beaches and marinas are favorite spots, as are mountenous terrains with cliffs.

Swallows

Swallows are in a whole different category and require extensive permits. Pay close attention to the type of swallow you are seeing: Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, etc.

Contact Hawkeye to Assist with Your Migratory Bird Permit(s)

You, as the property owner or manager are required to hold the necessary permits before we can assist with Bird Control or Removal. However, we can help you with your applications and together, we can ensure the you are ready to begin mitigating pest bird issues pro-actively.

Geese Control and Removal Services 

Removal of Canada Geese remains one of the most requested services we provide. There are several windows of opportunities where certain methods may be used and/or are most effective. Because Canada Geese nest and hatch their young earlier than most other birds, we'll look at Geese Removal Services first and in a bit more detail:

Falconry

Falconry uses birds of prey, like hawks, falcons, and especially eagles, to chase geese from the air. Geese are extremely frightened of eagles scatter quickly. Further, because the raptors are actively chasing the geese, the geese will not habituate and will have the same reaction every time. Though this is one of the more labour intensive methods of goose control due to the high level of expertise needed to work with birds of prey, it is also by far the most effective.

Dogs

Dogs are often used to chase geese and scare them from the ground. Like the raptors, the dogs represent an active threat to the geese, meaning that they will never get used to it. However, due to safety concerns, dogs cannot be used in some environments, like rooftops. Chasing geese with dogs is the most common goose control method on the ground and one of the most effective in many situations 

Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

We use ROVs to chase geese where it would be inconvenient or impossible for a dog or human to do so. Different types of drones are used to chase geese in the air, land, or water. Unfortunately, the technology can be fragile and easily lost, especially when in the water. ROVs are more robust and can be very effective in large bodies of water where geese can easily float or fly to the other side before the dogs can swim to them. Therefore, Hawkeye typically uses birds of prey, dogs, and ROVs together to chase geese away effectively.

Pyrotechnics

Hawkeye uses the firing of cracker shells, called bangers and screamers, that create loud sounds and bright firework-like visual displays to scare away the birds. The sounds and lights are startling and give the geese an extra push from the property. However, pyro is prohibited in some jurisdictions and is quite disruptive in residential areas. Further, because the loud sounds do not harm the geese, they will eventually learn to ignore them.

Read more: It's Time to Apply for Migratory Bird Permits

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 14 January 2025

Large flocks of birds (and other wildlife) are frequent visitors at landfills all across Canada. Other than negative impacts on bird health, what are some concerns?

Why are there so many birds at Landfills and Transfer Stations?

Landfills remain the most common method for disposing of human trash, and attract a large variety of birds. The large quantities of food scraps found in active areas of trash disposal at landfills can dramatically alter bird ecology, with consequences for their populations and health.

What type of Birds are commonly found at Landfills?

Food resources at active landfills support carnivorous and scavenging species including:

• White Stork
• Bald Eagle
• Ring-billed Gull
• Turkey Vulture
• Crows
• Blackbirds
• Pigeons
• Starlings

What is the Issue with Birds at Landfills?

The food birds find in landfills can compensate for reductions in natural food availability and are thought to contribute to global increases in gull populations in spite of huge decreases in their natural marine-derived prey for the gulls. Landfills may also negatively influence biodiversity, by reducing abundance of sensitive species, directly through exposure to contaminants and pathogens, and indirectly by supporting human-adapted and exotic invasive species that outcompete some native species. Birds are a natural part of the ecosystem and their presence at landfill sites and transfer stations can pose significant risks, especially as vectors for infectious diseases. It is quite common to see huge swarms of birds at landfills and transfer stations because of the abundance of food found in the garbage. This can and does lead to ecological and public health concerns.

Public Health Concerns in Regards to Birds in Landfills

The high density of birds increases the potential for disease transmission from bird to bird, birds to other wildlife and birds to humans. 

Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases

A vector is a living organism that transmits an infectious agent from an infected animal to a human or other animal. Vectors are frequently arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas and lice. Birds and animals can also be vectors. Vectors can transmit infectious diseases either actively or passively:

• Biological vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks may carry pathogens that can multiply within their bodies and be delivered to new hosts, usually by biting.
• Mechanical vectors, such as flies can pick up infectious agents on the outside of their bodies and transmit them through physical contact.

These diseases that are transmitted by vectors are known as vector-borne diseases. Vector-borne diseases encompass a variety of diseases that are caused by the spread of pathogens by living organisms - vectors. These diseases can be human to human, animals to animals, animals to human, or bloodsucking insects to animals and humans.

Vector borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases world wide. Some vectors are able to move considerable distances, for example: travel of humans internationally; animal movement - ie; livestock, migratory birds; or even through the wind.

Read more: Do Birds Carry Disease From Landfills And Transfer Stations?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 08 January 2025

And, more importantly, what do you do about a trap-shy raccoon or other animal wildlife? Let's delve in...

What Does Trap-Shy Mean?

What does it mean when a raccoon or other animal is trap shy? A wild animal - especially a super smart raccoon - can become trap shy rather quickly. After one succssful trap and release ordeal, even. Let's look at what that may look like:

Recognizing a Trap

Raccoons are highly intelligent; they are task oriented little problem solvers, learn by observation and have a pretty decent memory. Once trapped and released, they will see a trap and remember what happened the last time they rushed in to grab a free snack. And, unlesss food is scarce at the moment and the treat you left in the trap is oh-too-tempting, they may graciously decline your offerings.

Watching Human Activity

Once a raccoon has had a trap and release experience, he may not only recognize a trap as such, but also recogize humans checking on the trap as related to his previous adventure. Once a trap has been set, it needs to be monitored regularly to ensure that the trapped animal is ok.  So, a clever raccoon watching humans coming to check on the trap may very well be able to connect the dots.

Foregoing The Bait

While raccoons are opportunistic and usually happily go for little or no effort meals, they may make a wide berth around the trap and whatever yummy bait you may have set out if they associate the treat with a prior trapping experience.

How Do You Deal with a Trap Shy Raccoon?

If a raccoon has become trap shy, you'll need to acquire heaps of patience. Figuring out what to do with a trap-shy raccon may turn into a hit 'n miss exercise of when to trap, where to trap, and with what to trap. Buckle up!

When to Trap

While raccoons are nocturnal, they do mosey out 'n about during the daytime as well. However, they are most active between dusk and and the wee morning hours... so your trap should be set in the evening, before dark. Scout out where you want to put it and make the actual trap placement quick. Remember... you may be watched! 

Where to Trap

If you know where the raccoon is snoozing during the day, place the trap outside its den. If you are aware of a travel route frequented by your furry trash panda, place it there. Along fence lines or hedges is a good spot, as most wildlife will avoid wide open spaces and travel alongside or under cover.

With What to Trap

So, let's talk about the trap itself: If you're dealing with a trap-shy animal you'll want the trap to be big. Bigger is better. Where normally a medium size trap would do the job, opt for a large one. This gives the illusion of space, rather than confinement. Whatever trap you use - camouflage it well. Use branches, leaves, sticks, etc to make it blend into the environment around it. A 2- way door trap can be a great idea, because it looks more like a tunnel or a passage way than.. well... a trap. 

How to Trap a Trap-Shy Raccoon

Great. We have the trap, we have the disguise, and we figured out the perfect spot to place it. Actually, there's one more thing to consider: Raccoons are STRONG and determined. If possible, secure side of the trap to a fence or other structure with zip ties to prevent it from toppling over if rattled violently. After all this is in place - now what? How do we get the raccoon to get in? Ah.. enter the BAIT. 

What Bait is Best to use to Trap a Raccoon?

What do raccoons like to eat? Raccoons LOVE fish. And wet cat food, the smellier, the better. And eggs with or without bacon! But, did you know that raccoons also have a rather refined sweet tooth? They actually adore marshmallows. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - no longer just for the kids! Donuts and honey work, too. And sweet fruit is also on the list of favorites: water melon, honey melon and also sweet corn. If you have other wildlife (such as skunks!) around, you should probably stick with the sweets for your trap to avoid catching something unintended. 

Non-Edible Bait

In addition to being the opportunistic little thieves that they are, raccoons are also very curious. A balled up sheet of tinfoil may look intriguing enough for a raccoon to come in for a closer look.

Where to Place the Bait?

Especially for a trap-shy animal, a bait trail should start outside of the trap. Sprinkle whatever your offerings are around the trap and in front of the opening. Those are the appetizers. Then place a bigger chunk of bait towards the back of the cage trap - far enough in, so that the door mechanism is tripped.

A Word of Caution

The more often you set a trap and don't catch a raccoon, the more this becomes a teachable moment for the animal. Chances are they watched you place the trap and/or the bait and they've figured out that just munching on what's outside of the trap is the way to go. If you're setting out traps and find the cage empty but the bait gone, it's time to call in the Professionals. You may have been outsmarted.

Read more: What is a Trap Shy Raccoon?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 03 January 2025

So you have a recurring raccoon problem? You are not alone. The trouble with most raccoon removal is the practice of trapping and releasing the animal within one kilometer of your home and that the animal will almost certainly return. In this article, we'll look at some habitat modifications you can make to help deter raccoons from making your home theirs, as well as how to get rid of raccoons once and for all.

Raccoons are highly intelligent creatures and excel at adapting to changing circumstances and environments. That is why they are not only surviving, but actually thriving in urban centres such as Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton. They also know a good thing when they see it; urban living makes for plenty of food with minimal effort in addition to some pretty posh spaces to make a home.

How Do You Get Rid of Raccoons?

Read more: How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Raccoons?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 02 January 2025

Raccoons are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. When they are not pilfering your trash bin or causing general mayhem, they often snooze and rest in their dens during the day. Those dens or nests are likely located in tree cavities, rock crevices, in or under brush piles, in underground burrows dug by other animals, and of course (and less ideally), in your attic or shed.

While raccoons are mostly solitary - aside from breeding season -  a harsh winter may see more than one raccoon nesting in the same den. Let's have a closer look at where and how raccoons nest:

How Do Raccoons Make Their Nests or Dens?

Raccoons are highly intelligent and seem to have adopted a 'work smarter, not harder' attitude; not a whole lot of time is spent on 'building' a den. Instead, existing spaces are renovated or repurposed. As long as the space is protected from the elements, provides safety from predators, and is quiet enough for a good snooze, anything goes. Rock crevices or tree hollows are pretty much turn-key operations, or they might move into an abandoned den like a fox or groundhog burrow. And, if all else fails, there's always a shed, chimney, or attic one can claim. Once such space is procured, raccoons will perform some personalization and seasonal upgrades, like adding insulation to keep warm over the winter.

Natural Raccoon Dens

Tree Cavities and Hollows

One of the most common natural dens for raccoons are tree cavities or hollows. Raccoons are skilled tree climbers and can find a cozy spot in a hollowed-out trunk or a cavity high up in the branches. Offering protection from predators and the elements, this also makes for a perfect spot to raise a family. Hollows found under the roots of large fallen trees can make a suitable raccoon nesting place as well.

Rock Crevices and Caves

Raccoons may set up their den in rock crevices and caves. Again, these natural formations offer both shelter and safety. Raccoons are quite nimble and can squeeze into narrow openings and stay hidden from view and potential predators. Here in Ontario, that's mainly Great Horned Owls and Coyotes. In mountainous regions, raccoons may fall prey to cougars and other large wildcats as well.

Raccoons Nest in Other Animals' Burrows

Although raccoons have pretty impressive claws on their fore and hind paws, they aren't typically using them to dig their own burrows. Most digging is done for food.

Raccoons are smart and opportunistic animals but possibly a bit on the lazy side. Hence, it isn't uncommon to see a raccoon taking over an abandoned gopher burrow or a fox den no longer occupied. The main criteria are safety from predators, dark and quiet during the day, and close proximity to food and water.

Raccoons Nesting in Human Structures

Raccoon Dens in Attics

Being exceedingly adaptive and smart critters, raccoons are transitioning to urban areas all across the GTA. Attics can offer ideal denning sites for raccoons (and squirrels!) due to their warmth, shelter, and usually being a low traffic area. Access is made possible by exploiting holes in soffits or uncapped chimneys, or if more motivated, ripping up a roof shingle or two and creating an entry point. Once inside, raccoons may move insulation around, gather up what other materials may be found in the attic, and arrange it all into a perfect little nest.

Read more: Where and How do Raccoons Nest?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 27 December 2024

The Greater Toronto Area, or the GTA, has seen a marked increase in the number of coyotes sighted within the cities. Their growing presence has been of concern to many residents and also city officials. There is a need for public education and awareness of the threat these wild animals may pose to city dwellers. The increased prevalence of wild animals, in general, within the city limits is driven by a number of factors, like the abundant food sources within Toronto and the fact that coyotes, in particular, are extremely adaptable animals. They can thrive almost anywhere with an abundance of food sources.

Why Have Coyotes Increased So Much In Recent Years In The Greater Toronto Area?

Toronto has a great number of green spaces, wood lots and undeveloped areas within the city provide numerous opportunities to build dens, where Coyotes make their homes. Coyotes are opportunistic animals and can thrive even in less than ideal conditions. It has been hypothesized there are more coyotes and raccoons in the Toronto area than there are people. The GTA’s extensive network of ravines, rivers and streams, parks and green space, as well as numerous underground waterways offer safe travel routes and shelter to wild animals, allowing the coyote to move through or even settle in most neighbourhoods without being exposed.

Reasons for Increased Coyote Activity in Toronto

Availability of Food

• City Trash
  
  Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and will eat almost anything with any nutritional value to them. They particularly like rabbits, mice, rats, small birds, even wild turkey. They will also eat fruits and vegetables. They are known to eat carrion as well, like road kill or leftovers from another animals kill. 
  
  In the city, there is an abundance of garbage and food scraps available. People putting out the trash the night before pick up may be surprised to find garbage bins tipped or bags ripped open and spread across their yard or driveway the next morning. 
  
  
• Purposely or Inadvertently Feeding Coyotes
  
  People still feed wildlife in their backyards. They put out food and water for whatever small critter they expect at their back door.  Such well meaning gesture may not only bring on larger wildlife but also turn the intended benefactor into prey for a coyote. Wildlife feeding gained more popularity during Covid lockdowns - many wildlife enthusiasts would feed wild animals for entertainment. Many cities have enacted laws to prevent people from feeding the wildlife to prevent these interactions. Bird feeders are legal, but be aware: having a bird feeder will attract birds, as well as squirrels, chipmunks and other small mammals that will, in turn, attract coyotes.
  
  
• Easy Prey
  
  In addition to small native mammals, your pet out for a hasty bathroom break in the backyard makes for a relatively quick and easy meal. Small dogs have little or no chance of survival if pursued by a coyote. Although coyotes usually hunt alone, they will pair up or hunt in a group to take down larger prey - so, even your medium sized or larger dog may be overwhelmed.
  
  
  

Few Natural Predators

There are very few predators of coyotes left, even in the wild. Their main predators are humans and wolves. Coyotes are able to produce successful litters with an average of 4-6 pups per year, undisturbed and without viable threat, thus exponentially increasing the population.

Lingering Consequences of Lockdowns

Pandemic lockdowns created some very unique circumstances; there were very few people out and about on the street, sidewalks, in parks or on trails and the coyotes became emboldened and started claiming territory. Some coyotes even lost their natural fear of humans and went after people for food. It isn’t unheard of for a coyote to chase down small children or approach people in their backyards, drawn by the smell of an enticing barbecue.

Read more: Why Are There So Many More Coyotes in Toronto?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 24 December 2024

You might wonder why raccoon breeding season is a topic in the midst of December? Well, now would be a really good time to double check around your home and ensure that no raccoons (or squirrels) can get in. Because they ARE thinking about breeding season and they WILL find a cozy spot to den and raise their offspring. And, that cozy spot will hopefully not be your attic!

Mating Behavior During Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoon Mating Seasons in Toronto

Raccoon mating or breeding typically occurs in the later part of winter - January and after - with females giving birth in the Spring time to the only litter per year. However, if the first litter doesn't survive or is not viable, the female may mate again and have a successful litter later in the summer. 'When is raccoon breeding season' often depends on the amount of daylight and temperatures. But let's look at the raccoon breeding cycle a bit more closely:

Raccoon Mating Habits & Courtship Rituals

Raccoon mating habits are not unlike those of many other mammals - including humans :) The males posture and compete for the right to mate - this may go as far as a physical fight. And, the females will observe the spectacle and choose their mate, usually the strongest male. Dominant, healthy males may breed several females. The actual mating involves an hour or so of foreplay and finally copulation and may be repeated for several days. You know.. just to be sure :)

Raccoon Gestation and Birth

Once the female has mated and is indeed pregnant, she will become solitaryand set out in search of a den to raise her offspring. A lone raccoon foraging and lingering around your home in late January or early February may very well be a pregnant female looking for a den. 

Gestation Period Details

Expectant mums have a 63 day (or, roughtly two months) gestation period before welcoming their litter into the world.

Typical Litter Size

Female raccoons will give birth to an average litter of 4 kits - although, litters can range from 1 to 7 little ones. Babies are born blind and deaf, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces. They are completely dependent on their mother's care for their first 3 weeks of life. As many as 50% of raccoon babies may not survive their first year of life. If separated from their mother early one, their chances are nil.

Signs of Raccoon Breeding Activity in Toronto

Increased Nighttime Activity

During the time of courtship and mating, you are more likely to see groups of raccoons. While raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, they will be more visible and more social and interactive with each other duing this time.

Raccoon Vocalizations During Mating Season

Raccoons are very vocal animals at all times, chitter chattering and conversing with each other - but even more so during mating season. You might hear a male raccoon letting out loud, screeching calls to get the attention of a fancied female raccoon, which may be answered by a softer, chirping sound coming from said female. These calls play a crucial role in their mating rituals and territorial behaviors.

Scent Marking during Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoons don't pee on trees, or distribute their excrement willy-nilly. In fact, raccoons are very clean animals, using designated latrine areas - and this doesn't change just because it's mating season. Instead, they will use their entire body to rub their scent on trees or structures and thus let others know who the master of this particular domain is.

Read more: What You Need to Know About Raccoon Breeding Season in Toronto

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 18 December 2024

It depends -  on what type of animal, what type of damage, and your homeowner's policy. When a wild animal damages a structure on your property, your homeowners insurance may provide some coverage under its Dwelling or Other Structures protection. However, the majority of policies will not. 

Read This Before Filing a Claim:

It's important to review your policy's deductible, which is the amount you pay before your insurance benefits kick in. You may also want to confirm your coverage limit, which is the maximum amount of coverage your policy provides, so that you understand how much protection you have in place and if it's worth filing a claim.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Raccoon Damage?

Structural damage to your home 'may' be covered, although many policies will either classify raccoons as 'pest animals' (and therefore not covered) or exclude them explicitly or in a 'vermin' or 'rodent' clause. Let's assume that your policy does not exclude pest wildlife or raccoons in particular and a raccoon decides to rip open your roof to get into your attic; damage repair to your roof may be covered. Damage to your personal property in the attic would likely not be covered.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Raccoon Removal and Damage Replacement?

That's a hard NO on removal. Even if your homeowners insurance policy covers raccoon damage, you're on your own when it comes to evict the little squatters. Call a qualified Wildlife Removal Service to facilitate the removal and likely latrine cleanup and disinfection.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Policies

As with any legal document, take your time to read and understand your Homeowners Insurance policy. Make notes on terms you don't understand and ask questions, 

Common Inclusions and Exclusions

Most Homeowners policies have a vermin exclusion clause. If so, they should list the animals that fall into that category. If 'raccoon' is not listed, you may be able to still file a claim. Since insurance companies aren't necessarily fond of paying for your damages, they may argue that the damage caused was preventable - that where the raccoon got into your home was in disrepair and the damage was caused by owner neglect.

Types of Damage Typically Covered

If nothing in your policy excludes raccoons and/or the damage they cause, your Dwelling and/or Other Structures coverage may come into play. Covered damages would refer to the structure itself, but not to any of your personal belongings. And again, the larger the animal, the better your chance to get at least some reimbursement. Example: A deer runs into your patio door — this damage may be covered by your dwelling protection. The Other Structures coverage in your insurance policy helps protect structures on your property that aren't connected to your home, such as a fence, outbuildings or detached garage. So, if that deer damages part of your fence, the other structures coverage in a homeowners insurance policy may help with the costs of resulting repairs. The larger the animal that caused damage, the more likely your claim is to be successful.

Read more: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Raccoon Damage?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 17 December 2024

Birds of prey are the most awe inspiring, powerful and majestic living entities in the avian world. Bird of prey, or raptors, are characterized by their unparalleled eyesight, speed, sharp, strong talons and their hooked beaks, which are designed for tearing the flesh of their prey. They have been designed by nature to fit perfectly into their ecological role in our world. Their size and hunting style dictate what they feed on and where they live. 

What Are The 5 Largest Birds Of Prey In The World?

Some large raptors are capable of taking down very large mammals. Others feed on smaller prey such as mice and insects. They are at the top of their respective food chains due to their size and hunting abilities. Let’s explore the five largest birds of prey and their habitat, size, diet and the dominant hunters of the skies. 

1. The Largest Flying Bird of Prey: Andean Condor

The first on our list is the Andean Condor. It has a wing span of up to 10 and a half feet or 3.2 metres and an average weight of about 15 kg or 33 lbs. The Andean Condor is found predominantly in the Andes Mountains of South America and is considered the largest raptor when measuring wingspan. These huge raptors can soar for hours, seldom flapping their wings, making good use of the air current, or thermals, in the Andes Mountains.  They are so big that they need the height of the mountains to lift off. Their wingspan enables them to glide so well that they are the most energy efficient flyers in the world.

Andean Condors are mostly scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of deer, livestock, or other wild animals large enough to catch their attention. Their sense of smell and keen eyesight allows them to detect the smell of rotting meat from great distances. Their size allows them to dominate over vultures or other animals that compete for the meat of carcasses. They rarely eat live prey, but will do so if they are hungry enough and haven’t found their typical prey of dead meat. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to humans decimating their habitats and killing them in fear for their livestock. They are revered in the South American culture as symbols freedom and power.

2. The Second Largest Bird of Prey: Harpy Eagle

The second largest bird of prey in the world is the Harpy Eagle. The Harpy has a wingspan of about 7 and a half feet or 2.3 metres and can weigh up to 20 lbs or 9 kg. The Harpy Eagle is the largest eagle of the Central and South American rainforests. Named after the harpies of Greek Mythology, this raptor has a formidable and masterly presence with huge, strong talons that are capable of crushing bones. Its legs can actually grow to be thicker than a man's wrist. The strength of this raptor makes it an intimidating and fearsome hunter in the jungle.

Harpy eagles prey on mostly tree-dwelling animals, monkeys, sloths, even the large gorillas. The harpy will snatch their prey from the trees, or grab them as the prey moves from tree to tree and knock them to the ground, killing their prey as they hit the ground.  Harpies are strong and powerful enough to carry animals that weigh more than they do. They are incredibly agile and able to fly through the dense rainforests to catch their prey. Harpies typically hunt alone, but occasionally have been observed to hunt in pairs. They usually mate for life and can live in the wild for over 30 years. Their numbers are also declining due to loss of habitat and they are now considered a threatened species.

Read more: What is the Largest Bird of Prey?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 04 December 2024

Are you as fascinated by Birds of Prey as we are, here at Hawkeye? Can you tell a hawk from a different raptor? Let's look at some ways to help with raptor identification.

Common Hawk Species in Canada

Canada with its varying climates and terrains is home to many birds of prey. When we can observe them is as important as where. Some of our fine feathered friends will travel south and to more amicable temperatures during the winter months, while others don't mind chilling year round. 

Red-Tailed Hawk

As its name might suggest, the red-tailed hawk has indeed a distinctive short and wide red tail - who would have guessed!? It is a large bird with broad with rounded wings and a wing span of over a meter. Its back is brown and its underside is light. Most red-tailed hawks will migrate south for the winter, but you may be able to spot a few in the very southern parts of Ontario, especially during a mild winter.

Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is actually the most often seen hawk in Ontario - from spring to fall, that is. That is the time to breed and raise a family. The Northern Harrier is a slender bird with broad wings, often seen as a V-shape in flight; the tips of the wings are above its body. Its wing span also surpasses a meter. Females are typically brown on top, light coloured underneath while males sport a gray top half.

Cooper's Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is smaller than the previous two - about the size of a crow. It is a beautiful bird with a blue-grey back,  an orange (copper) chest, and a long tail with dark bands and a white tip. Adult birds have a dark 'cap' on their rather square head. It is seen in Southern Ontario year round but may leave the Northern regions and head as far south as Mexico for the winter months.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is smaller yet and often mistaken for a Cooper's Hawk; it has the same colouring. However, it has a round head without no cap standing out. The sharp-shinned hawk will migrate from most of Ontario but may stick around in the very southern parts.

Rough-Legged Hawk

The Rough-Legged Hawk gets its name from its feathered legs - insulation against the cold. As you may have guessed, the rough-legged hawk mostly stays in Ontario throughout the winter. It is a truly majestic bird -dark or light brown with dark patches at the bend of the wing, end of its tail and across its underside. The broad wings are relatively long and narrow compared to most other hawks.

Read more: How to Identify a Hawk

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 03 December 2024

First things first - let's confirm that the animal is actually deceased. It could just be stunned and spring to life when handled - this is potentially dangerous.  If regaining consciousness, the animal may be disoriented, perceive you as a threat, and go on the offensive. 

What To Do If You Find a Dead Animal: Assessing the Situation

After you have confirmed that the animal is dead, try to determine how it may have died. Was it hit by a vehicle, can you observe any physical trauma, or does it look like the animal perished from disease or poisoning? If there is not discernable trauma or injuries present, extra caution is in order when determining what to do if you find a dead wild animal.

Health Risks Associated with Dead Animals

All things dead potentially carry some health risks. It doesn't really matter what type of animal you've come across. However, particularly animals known to carry rabies ought to be handled with great care. You'll also want to keep decomposition risks at a minimum.

Bacterial Infections

Dead animals can carry bacterial infections that may be transmitted to humans or pets, including:

• Salmonellosis
  Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be spread by many types of animals, both wild and domestic. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and vomiting.
  
  
• E-Coli
  E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that is frequently found in the intestines of humans and animals alike. Most E. coli strains are harmless and necessary for digestion, produce vitamins, and protect against harmful germs. However, some strains can cause illness, with symptoms including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even sepsis.
  
  
• Brucellosis
  Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can be present in animals with no noticeable symptoms. Smoking, cooking, freezing, drying, or pickling meat does not kill the bacteria that cause brucellosis.
  
  
• Tularemia 
  Tularemia is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal, its blood, or its tissues. It can also be transmitted by means of a bite by an infected insect, such as a tick or a biting fly.
  
  

Read more: What Do You Do if You Find a Dead Animal?