Archive for the Category ◊ Spring 2010 ◊
Junior Wildlife Conservationist Quiz

When barred owls call, and somehow this one caught a fish, they often cause turkeys to gobble. Turkey hunters use barred owl calls to help find where turkeys are located in order to hunt them. (photo by Roger Hill)
1. What American hawk is the only one that hunts in groups?
The Harris hawk of the southwest United States is the only raptor that hunts in groups. One photographer filmed a group of five chasing a rabbit in relays to tire it. At one point, the rabbit hid under some brush. Then, one hawk walked in after it like a bird dog. When the rabbit flushed, several other hawks pounced, killed and then ate it! Now, that’s team work!
2. How long does it take for birds to lay eggs?
The cowbird can lay an egg in seconds. It is in such a hurry because it lays its eggs in other birds’ nests, a phenomenon called nest parasitism. A bobwhite quail needs 3-10 minutes to lay an egg; an hour or so for geese and turkeys. The common murre, a sea bird, can breed and still lay fertile eggs after several months! Why? Murres need to be at sea for long periods to gather enough food to survive, and thus are not together very much with their mates. more…


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