Raptology’s avian ambassadors are not pets – they are wild animals and belong to the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Raptology holds education permits issued by USFWS and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which allow us to house, care for, and present these birds in accordance with state and federal laws.
Click each photo to learn more about our feathered friends.
Sarah Screech Owl Scientific Name: Megascops asio Hatch Year: 2017 Non-releasable due to: human imprint Eastern Screech Owl Facts: Screech owls nest almost exclusively in tree cavities but will also use old Pileated Woodpecker and Northern Flicker cavities; they can also be attracted to nest boxes. Screech owls hunt from dusk to dawn, with most hunting…
Gonzo Turkey Vulture Scientific Name: Cathartes Aura Hatch Year: 2015 Non-releasable due to: human imprint Turkey Vulture Facts: Turkey vultures are called Peace Eagles by the Cherokee since they do not kill prey. Vultures are “Nature’s custodian” – by consuming dead and decomposing animals, vultures clean up the toxins, pathogens and diseases that are possible as…
Sky Red-tailed Hawk Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis Hatch Year: 2008 Non-releasable due to: fracture of right wing Red-tailed Hawk Facts: Red-tailed Hawks are the most widespread and familiar large hawk in North America and can often be observed perched on road signs, trees, or atop power poles. Red-tailed Hawks’ habitat includes open country, woodlands, prairie groves, mountains,…
Regi Great Horned Owl Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus Hatch Year: 2012 Non-releasable due to: human imprint Great Horned Owl Facts: Great Horned Owls are one of the most common owls in North America, found in deserts, wetlands, forests, grasslands, backyards, cities, and almost any other semi-open habitat between the Arctic and the tropics. Like much of the…
Rachel Peregrine Falcon Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus Hatch Year: 2015 Non-releasable due to: injured by shooting Peregrine Falcon Facts: Peregrines are the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds up to 240 mph while diving for prey. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide (DDT) poisoning in the middle 20th century but their…
Magic Merlin Scientific Name: Falco columbarius Hatch Year: 2016 Non-releasable due to: wing injury Merlin Facts: Merlins are “Holarctic,” meaning they occur across the Northern Hemisphere. There are three subspecies of Merlins in North America, which can be distinguished by the number of bands on their tail feathers. They have adapted well to living in urban…
Raptology 