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Knowing Nature: Raptors of Northeast Iowa
Do you know your birds? Take our quiz to find out! Throughout the year, Winneshiek County is home to 11 different species of raptor birds. Whether you are an ornithologist or casual bird watcher, test your knowledge and see if you can identify these awesome raptor species! 
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This raptor is named for their feathers that extend down its legs all the way to its toes, a characteristic that serves as an adaptation to the cold climate where it breeds. They spend their summers in the Arctic tundra, and their winters in southern Canada and the northern United States. They nest in cliffsides made of sticks and sometimes even caribou bones! Farmers often consider these birds to be a threat to poultry, but it is illegal to hunt or kill these birds as they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This aptly named raptor is famous for its beautiful display of reddish-brown feathers down its back and tail, although each bird can vary in color and hue. It has a fierce and recognizable call that has been used frequently in movies and media. This raptor has 14 different recognized subspecies throughout the interior of Alaska and northern Canada all the way to as far south as Panama and the West Indies! What is the name of this raptor? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This powerful raptor is one of the largest and fastest raptors in North America. These beautiful birds are dark brown with golden-brown plumage on their head and nape. They are one of the most widely recognized raptor species in the world and serve as the emblem for multiple countries, perhaps most famously on the flag of Mexico. In pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, this bird was also a major Mexica (Aztec) symbol and represented the tribal Sun God. Although they have high hunting capabilities and can kill large prey, this raptor feeds mostly on rodents and other small mammals. Can you name this raptor? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This raptor species is famous for being the fastest animal on Earth! It is a very fast flier with an extreme diving speed of up to 240 mph! This bird is highly recognizable, especially because it is the most widespread raptor species in the world. Its breeding range expands from the Arctic tundra to the tropics, and it is found on every continent except Antarctica. This mighty bird is also known for being trainable, and humans have used them for hunting for over a thousand years! Which raptor is this? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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Symbolizing strength, freedom, and courage, this raptor native solely to North America is also the United States of America's national bird. They are also sacred to many Indigenous communities in North America and are even considered "spiritual messengers" between Gods and humans in some cultures. While they are easily identifiable by their white head and brown body, these birds actually don't gain their white feathers until full maturity. They are currently designated as a threatened species and suffer the consequences of pollution from heavy metals such as lead. Which raptor species is this? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This striking raptor has bright eyes and black-and-white bands on its tail. They inhabit the Mississippi and Great Lakes areas in the summer, but are most easily seen during migration each autumn when they leave the northern woodlands for the warmer climate in Central and South America. Their large aerial flocks are often called "kettles" and can contain up to thousands of circling birds. Name that raptor! *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This tiny-but-mighty raptor species is one of the smallest in North America. They are unique in their proportions as they have sharply-ridged long legs, short wings, and very long tails. They live mostly in forests and woods where they hunt songbirds and rodents. Their population took a major hit in the 20th century due to DDT pesticide pollution, but have since rebounded through conservation efforts and pesticide bans! Which raptor is this? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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With a red underbelly and a striking banded tail, this species is one of North America's most distinctively marked raptors. These beautiful birds have longer lifespans than most other raptors. The oldest-known was a 26 year old female who was tracked by a conservation team in California from 1974 to 2000! Can you name this raptor? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This common raptor is the smallest raptor species in North America and is roughly the size and shape of a Mourning Dove, only with a bigger head and larger wingspan. They feed on insects, lizards, mice, and small birds, and like to hunt by scanning the ground from an elevated surface rather than hunting from flight. You'll often see these little raptors perched on fences and telephone wires. What is the name of this little raptor? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This remarkable raptor is most commonly seen during flight and its V-shaped wing posture is highly distinctive even from a far distance! Its disk-shaped face and curved beak is similar to an owl in appearance and even function, although they are not related to owls. They are ferocious hunters, and while they mostly hunt small mammals and birds, they can sometimes hunt larger animals by drowning them! Who is this raptor? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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This raptor's range extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico, but can be found in Winneshiek County all year round! They are adaptable to many different environments from desert mountains to mixed forests. This mighty bird was named after an American naturalist and ornithologist who also founded the New York Academy of Sciences. Which raptor is this? *
Photo Courtesy of Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Conservation's Lead Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager
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