Look up and see the king of the sky!

This article is provided by

National Forestry and Grassland Administration (National Park Administration)

Produced in partnership with Planet Research

Raptor

In your heart

What is it like

It is a sculpture written by Du Fu.

Soaring across the clouds and wind

"The tip of the bird's wings is full of vigor, and the sound is clear and clear; it is too far to be caught, and its beauty is too good to be appreciated."

(Selected from Du Fu's "Eagle Fu" in the Tang Dynasty. The picture shows the white-shouldered eagle, scientific name: Aquila heliaca , photographer @林森)

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It is the eagle in Gao Yue's eyes

So heroic

"Snow claws and star eyes are rare in the world, and the sky is waiting for the sweater to shake"

(Selected from Gao Yue's "Ode to the Eagle" in the Five Dynasties. The picture shows the goshawk, scientific name: Accipiter gentilis , photographed in Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, photographer @和太宝)

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Or the owl in Li He's dream?

So cold and eerie

"A hundred-year-old owl has become a wood spirit, and its laughter rises from its nest of green fire."

(Selected from Li He's "Song of the Song of Harmony: Divine Strings" in the Tang Dynasty. The picture shows the horned owl, scientific name: Otus lettia , photographed in Danzhou City, Hainan Province, photographer @Gin)

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The Planetary Research Institute believes

The most accurate description

Nothing is more

Proud and unruly

They soar high in the sky

Is the king who looks down on the world

(The common buzzard flying high in the sky, scientific name: Buteo japonicus , photographed in Fangshan District, Beijing, photographer @赵云天)

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Raptor is a general term for a class of carnivorous birds

In taxonomy, it usually includes

All species of the orders Accipitridae , Falconiformes, and Strigiformes

Common

Golden eagle, goshawk, black kite

Kestrel, Barn Owl, White-bellied Harrier

There are nearly 100 species widely distributed in my country.

( Please watch in horizontal mode , some illustrations of raptors in China. Raptors are one of the six major ecological groups of birds, and their taxonomic definition is relatively vague. Some views would also include the order Gruiformes, and the broadest view may even include some species of the passerines, the family Shrike and the family Corvidae. The most common classification method is used here. Among them, the birds of the order Accipitridae and Falconiformes are diurnal raptors, and the vast majority of the birds of the order Strigiformes are nocturnal raptors, with only a few exceptions, such as the snowy owl, which is mainly active during the day. Image source @Visual China, map by @张琪 & @陈志浩/Planet Research Institute)

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"When the great roc soars up with the wind, it soars up to ninety thousand miles."

(Selected from "To Li Yong" by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty)

Walking alone in the world

The life of the king of the sky

It's bound to be a bloody storm

01

The Birth of a King

The chicks were born on a sunny morning

It droops its weak neck

Half closed eyes

Looking around curiously

The chicks don't know

What kind of world will greet it?

Cruel and kind

Warm and sad

This is the kingdom of kings

(A fluffy golden eagle chick. Golden eagle, scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos . The chicks of raptors are late-maturing birds. They are not fully developed after hatching and have no ability to live independently. They need to stay in the nest and be fed by their parents. Image source: Visual China)

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The first test

Came unexpectedly

When the parent birds do not bring back enough food

Fierce competition begins

(Parent birds: adult birds that feed their young and bear the important responsibility of feeding and protecting their young)

In the golden eagle 's nest

The older chicks are driven by instinct.

Pecking at late-born chicks

Eat their flesh

Parent birds will even take their dead chicks

Cruelly torn

Feed the remaining survivors

(A female golden eagle is feeding her chicks. Image source: Visual China)

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This phenomenon of " fratricide "

Not uncommon among large birds of prey

Achieving “eugenics and good breeding” through intraspecific competition

“Survival of the fittest”

This is the first lesson nature teaches them.

(Intraspecific competition: refers to the survival competition between individuals of the same species for common resources. It usually occurs when environmental resources are limited, especially when the population density is close to the maximum carrying capacity of the environment, the competition will become more intense to inhibit the growth of the population)

Under the careful care of the bird

The young bird's wings are gradually growing

Sharp eyes

Long scimitar mouth

A pair of strong claws

The King's Style

(Proud Steller's sea eagle, scientific name: Haliaeetus pelagicus , photographer @吴雨辰)

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The eyes of a bird of prey look deep as the abyss

Mainly because of the prominent brow ridge

Able to travel through trees at high speed

Protect your eyes from damage

(A steppe eagle with deep eyes, scientific name: Aquila nipalensis , photographed in Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, photographer @李艳霞)

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Fast-moving nictitating membrane

Moisturizes and cleanses the cornea

Resist certain strong light and wind and sand

(White-tailed sea eagle with its nictitating membrane open, scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla , photographed in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, photographer @徐永春)

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A ring of bone inside the eye

scleral bone

Can prevent strong airflow pressure

Causes eye deformation

Pleated pecten

Responsible for supplying nutrients to the eye

Helps with prolonged focus

Moving prey

(Diagram of the eye structure of a bird of prey, drawn by @张琪/Planetary Research Institute)

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The retina of a diurnal bird of prey

More cones sense bright light

Strong vision during the day

They have two sets of foveas

Able to fly at high speed

Transformation from "farsightedness" to "nearsightedness"

(Visual imaging characteristics of diurnal raptors, map by Zhang Qi/Planetary Research Institute)

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The retina of a nocturnal bird of prey

Rod cells that sense low light

Strong vision at night

They have more three-dimensional " binocular vision "

With a flexible neck

"Small movements" can also give you a "big picture"

(Visual imaging characteristics of nocturnal birds of prey, map by Zhang Qi/Planetary Research Institute)

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Except for the eyes that see through everything

The beak of a bird of prey is also very special.

Tip hook

There is a prominent wax film at the base

Smaller Gyrfalcon

Sharp teeth on the upper beak edge

Capable of quickly severing the neck of its prey

As the prototype of the "God of Ten Thousand Eagles" - Saker Falcon

Deeply loved by Emperor Kangxi

Praise it

"The nature is golden and contains the virtue of fire, and the extraordinary material shines on the Yaoguang Star"

(Close-up of the beak of a gyrfalcon. The gyrfalcon, scientific name: Falco rusticolus . The poem is from "Hai Dong Qing" by Xuanye of the Qing Dynasty. The prototype of Hai Dong Qing is still controversial. The widely circulated view is adopted here. Falconiformes generally have obvious tooth protrusions on the beak. Image source: Visual China)

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Vultures feeding on carrion

Beak is strong and sharp

Can easily tear apart large animal carcasses

The strong body is intimidating

In ancient times

Often used to refer to a towering mountain.

Even compared with the "dragon"

(Close-up of the beak of a vulture. Vulture, scientific name: Aegypius monachus , photographed in Changdao Scenic Area, Yantai City, Shandong Province. In the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu's "Nanshan Poetry" used "some winding like a hidden dragon, some wings like a fighting eagle" to describe the height and magnificence of Nanshan. Photographer @张吉华)

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Snake sculpture swallowed whole

The beak is relatively small.

Well-developed jaw muscles can crush a snake's head in one bite

(Close-up of the beak of a snake eagle. Snake eagle, scientific name: Spilornis cheela , photographed in Nonggang National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, photographer @Gin)

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Chestnut Owl stalking at night

Short and flattened beak

You can see all traces of prey at a glance

(Chestnut Owl, scientific name: Phodilus badius , photographed in Jianfengling National Forest Park, Hainan Province. The detail of the long-tailed forest owl's beak is for illustration only. Photographers @熊昊洋 & @杨树光)

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also

The most striking bird of prey

It's the four-toed "big feet"

Usually three toes in front and one toe in the back

detached foot

There are thick and long horny claws on the toes

Some species have external toes that can be turned backwards

Two toes forward, two toes backward

Semi-opposed toe

Easy to catch fish and hold onto tree trunks

(Comparison of the two types of toes in birds of prey. Most Falconiformes and Accipitridae have detached toes, while Strigiformes have semi-opposed toes. Map by @张琪/Planet Research Institute)

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Different birds of prey

Larger variation in feet

Some are covered with rough tile-like scales

Prevent being pierced by sharp snake teeth

(The feet of the snake sculpture have obvious tile-like scales to prevent snake bites. Photographed in Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, photographer @杨树光)

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Some bird claws are significantly degraded

Easy to run and jump on the ground

(The alpine vulture, scientific name: Gyps himalayensis , has claws that are not as sharp as other birds of prey, which makes it easier for it to run or jump on the ground when eating. Photographed in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, photographer @赵云天)

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Some are covered with soft feathers

Can reduce the sound of hunting

(Snowy Owl, scientific name: Bubo scandiacus , has thick feathers on its feet to reduce noise and keep warm when hunting. Photographer: Liu Lu)

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03

A New King is Born

It's the breeding season again

Kings from all over the world gather together

Compete to show their charm

Choosing a lover to spend your life with

Diurnal birds of prey have an extremely high-profile courtship style

They show off without any concealment

Fancy flying skills

Undulating, spiral, swinging

......

Passionate and unrestrained

A male white-tailed harrier dances up and down repeatedly in the air

Like waves rising from the sea

(Male white-tailed harrier, scientific name: Circus cyaneus , photographer @何亚宁)

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Two black kites fell in love at first sight at a dance

Flying together affectionately

"I wish to be a pair of lovebirds, spreading our wings and flying high"

(Black kites flying side by side. The poem is selected from "Two Poems to Send Off Yingshi" by Cao Zhi of the Han Dynasty. Image source: Visual China)

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In contrast

The Strigiformes' marriage proposal ritual is simple and tender

Bowing, rubbing mouth, preening feathers

Even delicious food

Just to win the favor of my beloved

( Please watch in horizontal mode , Long-tailed Forest Owl offering food, image source: @alamy)

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Barn owls kiss each other tenderly

Like a polite gentleman

(Romantic "kissing" barn owl, scientific name: Tyto javanica , picture source @Visual China)

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The Yellow-legged Fishing Owl sings a beautiful song

Beautiful music is played along both sides of the river.

(Yellow-legged Fishing Owl by the river, scientific name: Ketupa flavipes , photographed in Nanling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, photographer @蔡宏杰)

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Most birds of prey are monogamous.

From meeting, falling in love, to staying together

Noble King

With admirable

Loyalty and determination

"If I live, I will come back; if I die, I will miss you forever"

(Selected from "Farewell to My Wife" by Su Wu of the Western Han Dynasty. Such monogamy is rare among birds)

But there are always exceptions

Ghost Owl 's "Open Marriage"

Bold and trendy

In order for the species to reproduce successfully

Both male and female birds have very large "harems"

(Ghost Owl, scientific name: Aegolius funereus , photographed in Wuerqihan Town, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, photographer @Gin)

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After the Wedding

Young couple starts building their new home

Preparing for the upcoming little life

Raptors have a pretty good division of labor in raising their offspring

This has to do with the body size of the parents.

Body shape of male sparrowhawk

Often only half the size of a female bird

The nimble body makes it easier to move through the woods

Shouldering the responsibility of supporting the family

( Please watch in horizontal mode , male and female sparrowhawks guarding their family on a snowy day, scientific name: Accipiter nisus , the male on the left and the female on the right. Photographed in Jilin City, Jilin Province, photographer @徐永春)

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It will run non-stop from morning till night

After returning home, hand in all the "trophies"

(Male sparrowhawk hunting, photographer @刘璐)

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​

The female bird will stay in the nest from morning till night.

Complete the incubation task with a warm and broad belly

(Female sparrowhawk taking care of chicks, image source: Visual China)

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When "enemy troops" break into your home

The couple will be alarmed

Feathers up, wings spread

Extend your head and neck fully

Sometimes they flap their wings vigorously.

Paws forward

Make a sharp, piercing sound

Serious warning to intruders

(White-tailed sea eagle vs. Steller's sea eagle, photographed in Hunchun City, Jilin Province, photographer @谷宝臣)

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Once the threats don't work

They will rush straight towards the "enemy"

Started round after round of fierce attacks

Even when facing an opponent several times bigger than you

We must also raise our heads and blow the horns

Move forward bravely without fear

(Peregrine falcons attack pelicans that intrude into their territory. The peregrine falcons, which are not as big and strong as the others, use their extremely fast dive speed to attack the pelicans' heads, causing them to lose balance and fall in flight. Image source: Visual China)

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When the furry head pops out of the shell

A new story will also begin

The former king of the sky

Looking at the newborn children

Looking at the future new king

Tears welled up in my eyes

When the young king spreads his wings again

A cycle of life will also come to an end

(A black eagle flying high in the sky, scientific name: Clanga clanga , photographed in Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, photographer @李艳霞)

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Every autumn

Food shortages force many birds of prey to migrate south

From birth to death

They will wander on the road all their lives.

As one of the groups with the longest migration routes

Migration distance of birds of prey

Even up to 16,000 kilometers

Equivalent to Moscow, Russia

Fly to Cape of Good Hope in Africa

( Please watch in horizontal mode , the migration path of the peregrine falcon is shown. Map by @Chen Zhihao/Planetary Research Institute)

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Mountains

Vast waters

The sudden storm

They are devouring them all the time.

This is a game between life and nature

(Birds of prey heading to the mountains and seas. Photographer @何亚宁&Visual China&Yu Huan)

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The eastern coast of my country

Many birds of prey

An important stop on the migration route

(Red Beach in Bohai Bay, my country, photographer @周昫光)

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In the past ten years

Land reclamation and port construction

Leading to the disappearance of a large number of wetlands

Artificial coastline is increasing

The "throat" of migratory birds is gradually being strangled

(Sketch of the coastline changes in Bohai Bay from 1986 to 2014, drawn by @Chen Zhihao/Planetary Research Institute)

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More than that

Poaching and slaughter , domestication and breeding

Tragedy continues to unfold

The greater abyss opens its mouth

These unruly souls fly into it

Make a piercing scream

(A herder trains an eagle in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. According to the "National Key Protected Wildlife List" approved by the State Council in 2021, 55 species of Accipitridae, 12 species of Falconiformes and 32 species of Strigiformes distributed in my country are all national second-level and above protected wild animals. Hunting, buying and selling are prohibited, and breeding is not allowed without special permission. Photographer @阿康)

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The fate of the sky king

that's all

In the race for survival

(Fighting white-bellied harriers, scientific name: Circus spilonotus , photographed in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, photographer @徐永春)

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In the military career

(Golden eagle hunting, photographer @冯江)

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In the storm

(Black kite hitting the waves, image source: Visual China)

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Continuous ups and downs

The Road to Kingship

Destined to be extraordinary

It's another sunny morning

An old forest eagle hovers in the air

It gazes longingly toward the earth

(The hovering forest eagle, scientific name: Ictinaetus malaiensis , photographed at Fahua Mountain, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, photographer @戴宇晨)

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Tears gleaming in the wind

That is the king's final statement.

My life

Proud and unruly

After seeing all the sails, I still remain in the blue sky

This article was created by

Written by : Liu Xuejing

Design : Zhang Qi

Image : Zhang Zhaohai

Map : Chen Zhihao

Proofreading : Li Chuyang and Tang Wenjun

Audit Expert

Zhang Zhengwang, Professor of School of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University

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