Vocabulary
Raptor- A bird of prey which seizes its prey with force, using its strong talons
Adaptation- Inherited characteristic that enables an animal to survive
Asymmetrical- not symmetrical; owls have one ear set higher than the other
Diurnal- Active during the day
Nocturnal- Active during the night
Keel- Breastbone ridge for attachment of bird’s flight muscles
Binocular- Focusing both eyes on a single object
Nictating membrane- A clear protective eyelid
Oviparous- Producing eggs which are hatched outside the body
Pellet- A mass of indigestible material such as bones and fur which is regurgitated
Fledglings- Young birds that can leave the nest but are still dependent on
parents
Talon- The strong, sharp, curved claw of a raptor
Hand-on Science Activities
Research the Barred Owl’s nesting requirements and build a nesting
box.
Social Studies Connections
Research and compare range maps for different species of birds. |
Language Arts Connections
Use a Double Bubble Map graphic organizer or a Venn diagram to compare and
contrast the adaptations of a hawk and an owl.
| HAWK |
BOTH |
OWL |
| Diurnal |
Feathers |
Nocturnal |
| Fast flight |
Camouflage |
Silent flight |
| Open fields |
Hollow bones,wings |
Woodlands, swamps |
| Ridges over eyes |
Carnivore |
Flat face like a satellite dish |
| Binocular vision |
Use talons to seize with force |
Large eyes |
| Aerodynamic |
Nictating membrane |
Offset ears (asymmetrical) |
| Focus in wind |
Cough up pellets |
Can rotate head 270 degrees |
|
