"Raptor Imprisons Birds by Stripping Feathers and Stuffing in Rocks"

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Source: Livescience.com
"Raptor Imprisons Birds by Stripping Feathers and Stuffing in Rocks"
Photo: Livescience.com
TL;DR

Eleonora's falcons, found in the Mediterranean and off the northwest coast of Africa, exhibit a unique predatory behavior of imprisoning live birds by pulling out their feathers and stuffing them into rocky crevices. This behavior is believed to be exclusive to a specific population on the Mogador archipelago. While some scientists are skeptical, others believe this technique allows the falcons to keep their prey fresh until needed. This behavior is observed during the nesting period between July and October, when the falcons prey on tired migrating birds to prepare for their own migration to Madagascar.

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