Diurnal raptors – birds of prey that hunt during the day – include easily recognizable birds like eagles, hawks, or falcons. They may be seen perched on highway signs, electrical poles, or soaring overheard in urban and rural spaces across North America. Here, avian ecology and raptor experts C. Craig Farquhar and Clint W. Boal present the first comprehensive volume on these birds of prey in Texas. Given the state's size, location, and biodiversity, it is not surprising that Texas leads other states in the documented number of raptor species.
The introductory chapters of Raptors of Texas provide information on raptor ecology, evolution, behavior, morphology, and the unique conservation challenges raptors face in Texas and elsewhere. Detailed species descriptions of Texas' regularly occurring diurnal raptors come next, illustrated with life-like graphite drawings and accompanied by unique, up-to-date range maps. Additionally, shorter entries for rare raptors sighted in the state are provided.
Raptors of Texas is a must-have for serious birders, ornithologists, avian ecologists, and wildlife professionals who want to know more about these birds of prey and the important roles they play in our urban and rural environments alike.
C. Craig Farquhar recently retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife, where he was an avian ecologist for over twenty years. He resides in Austin, Texas, and currently teaches at Texas State University. Clint W. Boal is a research wildlife biologist with the US Geological Survey's Texas Cooperative Research Unit and is professor of wildlife biology at Texas Tech University. He resides in Lubbock, Texas.