STEM Reading List: Birds of Prey

Majestic eagles, wise owls, and cunning vultures are among the many birds of prey found globally. Instead of dining on insects and seeds like other birds, birds of prey instead eat larger animals, including mammals and lizards. In this book list, readers will learn about birds of prey in both fictionalized and factual accounts; many of these books emphasize full-color photographs, as well. Also included are titles about the rescue and rehabilitation of these majestic birds.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni

	Hawk Rising By: Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by: Brian Floca Early morning and a ruffle of feathers, a shadow glides through the backyard. High above your house, Father Hawk circles, sharp eyes searching for prey. Swoosh! He dives after chipmunks, crows, sparrows, squirrels. Screech! The sun hangs low in the sky as three hungry chicks wait. Will they eat today?
	Kings of the Skies By: Rebecca Rissman This title presents several birds of prey and their physical features and habitats, including the Northern goshawk, golden eagle, crow, and Great White pelican.
	Maggie the One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon: a true story of rescue and rehabilitation By: Christie Gove-Berg Maggie has just learned to fly when she crashes into the side of a building. She falls to the ground, alone and injured. Who will help her? As told with real photographs, this true story explains how wildlife hospitals rescue and treat injured animals. Their goal is to release the animals back into the wild. Sometimes, this is not possible—but there can still be a happy ending. Maggie’s story is just such a success!
	Animal Helpers: Raptor Centers By: Jennifer Keats Curtis Even powerful birds of prey can get sick or hurt. When that happens, animal helpers at raptor centers come to the rescue! The dedicated staff treats injured, sick, and orphaned animals. They return the birds to their native environment or find forever homes at education and raptor centers for those that cannot survive in the wild. Follow along in this photographic journal as staff and volunteers come together to care for these remarkable birds.
	Raptor Rescue By: John Hamilton This title examines the efforts of veterinarians and volunteers worldwide as they rescue raptors, showing common injuries, how these birds recover, and how they are released back into the wild.
	Vultures By: Kate Riggs A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of vultures, the carrion-eating birds of prey. Also included is a story from folklore explaining why vultures are bald.