Xplor More: Crowded Kettle

In late September, broad-winged hawks begin migrating through Missouri to spend winter in Central America and the Amazon. To save energy during what might be a 4,000-mile flight, broad-wings ride rising air currents high into the sky. As the hawks go up, up, up, they circle round and round like soup noodles stirred by an invisible spoon. These flocks or “kettles” often contain hundreds of broad-wings plus other hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures hitching a ride on the same air currents. When the birds get high enough, they glide forward to catch the next updraft.

Instructions

There are six different birds of prey swirling in this kettle. How many of each kind can you find? Write the number in the box beside each bird. Read the hints if you need help.

Broad-winged hawk

White underwings with dark edges; black and white tail bands same width.

Turkey Vulture

Small pink head; two-toned wings (dark near body, light flight feathers).

Red-Shouldered hawk

Dark underwings; black tail with narrow white bands.

Peregrine Falcon

Wings end in sharp points; white throat with dark “helmet” on head.

Bald Eagle

Brown body; white head and tail; huge beak. Young eagles are blotchy brown.

Red-Tailed hawk

Solid-colored tail (usually red); dark marks on leading edge of wings.