Web Activity Worksheet on Predatory Birds: The Raptor Trust

Name: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

Please complete the following worksheet as you navigate through The Raptor
Trust Website at http://theraptortrust.org/the-birds/. Please write in full sentences
when providing your response; do not copy and paste information into the answer
sections as this is plagiarism! This assignment will be worth 30 points. A rubric
checklist will be provided. * Also note that this document will expand as you type.

1. What is a raptor? (1.5 points)


2. Name at least three types of raptors. (1.5 points)


3. List the 3 key features that characterize all raptors. (2 points)


4. What characteristics distinguish hawks as a group from other raptors? (2 points)

5. Where have you seen a hawk, or if not, where would you be likely to see a hawk? (2
points)


6. Pick a favorite raptor from one of the enclosures under the Meet Some of Our
Education Birds tab. Be sure to include the type of raptor and summarize the story as to
how he/she came to The Raptor Trust. (1 point)


7. Describe 4 of the specialized adaptations of owls. (5 points)


8. Describe 4 of the specialized adaptations of hawks. (5 points)

9. Which two types of owls nest on the ground? Why would a bird nest in such a
dangerous place? (5 points)


10. Analysis Owl Discussion: Owls regurgitate their food remains in something called an
owl pellet. Think about the role of raptors in the NJ food web. What class of organisms
do raptors prey on? List the items/remains that could be found in an owl pellet (or
research it and cite your sources). How does the owl help control population size? (5
points)

Rubric Checklist: Raptor Trust

Name: ____________________________________ Date: ___________
*The target performance is in bold or alternatively, the criteria are bolded to
demonstrate how the student earned his/her point total out of 30.

_______ 1. What is a raptor? (2 points)

_____ 2 points awarded if full definition is provided and is clear in a
complete sentence
_____ 1 point definition is only listed, and not in complete sentence

_______ 2. Name at least three types of raptors. (1.5 points)

*Answers may vary due to multiple possible answers
_____ 0.5 points 1 raptor listed
_____ 0.5 points 1 raptor listed
_____ 0.5 points 1 raptor listed

_______ 3. List the 3 key features that characterize all raptors. (1.5 points)

_____ 0.5 points 1 feature, hooked beak
_____ 0.5 points 1 feature, taloned feet
_____ 0.5 points 1 feature, outstanding vision

_______ 4. What characteristic distinguishes hawks as a group from other raptors? (2
points)

_____ 2 points awarded if full response is provided and is clear in
complete sentences
_____ 1 point response is only listed, and not in complete sentence

_______ 5. Where have you seen a hawk, or if not, where would you be likely to see a
hawk? (2 points)

_____ 2 points awarded if full response is provided and is clear in
complete sentences
_____ 1 point response is only listed, and not in complete sentence

_______ 6. Pick a favorite raptor from one of the enclosures under the Meet Some of
Our Education Birds tab. Be sure to include the type of raptor, his/her name, and
summarize the story as to how he/she came to The Raptor Trust. (1 point)

*Answers may vary due to multiple possible answers
_____ 0.25 points 1 raptor name listed
_____ 0.25 points 1 type of raptor listed
_____ 0.5 points summary provided in complete sentences, restated in
own words

_______ 7. Describe 4 of the specialized adaptations of owls. (5 points)

*Answers may vary due to multiple possible answers
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described

_______ 8. Describe 4 of the specialized adaptations of hawks. (5 points)

*Answers may vary due to multiple possible answers
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described
_____ 1.25 points 1 adaptation listed and described

_______ 9. Which 2 types of owls nest on the ground? Why would a bird nest in such a
dangerous place? (5 points)

_____ 1 points 1 owl listed correctly
_____ 1 points 1 owl listed correctly
_____ 3 points full explanation provided in complete sentences
*points will be deducted if explanation is incomplete or ambiguous

10. Analysis Owl Discussion: Owls regurgitate their food remains in something called an
owl pellet. Think about the role of raptors in the NJ food web. What class of organisms
do raptors prey on? List the items/remains that could be found in an owl pellet (or
research it and cite your sources). How does the owl help control population size? (5
points)

_____ 1 points prey is identified
_____ 1 points lists remains of prey (& cites if necessary)
_____ 3 points full explanation provided in complete sentences as to
how the owl helps to control population size
*points will be deducted if explanation is incomplete or ambiguous