![]() The bald eagle-found only in North America-is our national symbol. There are 290 species of raptors worldwide, 33 in North America and 19 that have been observed in Missouri. Owls (Order Strigiformes) share many traits with these raptors but are nocturnal, hunt primarily by sound rather than vision and swallow prey whole rather than tearing it apart. Scientists have placed eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey, kites and vultures into the taxonomic order Falconiformes. Large hawks, eagles and vultures can glide for miles on rising air currents kites can dart and swoop like acrobats and falcons can dive with terrific speed. Most raptors lay one to three or four to six eggs every year, depending on the species, with both parents usually sharing in incubation and brood rearing. Nests are often used year after year by the same birds and grow larger each season. Nests constructed from sticks in tall trees, along cliffs or even atop utility poles. ![]() Because of this, males and females sometimes seek different-sized prey, which is especially helpful for brood survival. The female is sometimes as much as twice as large as the male.
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