Read on Twitter
Vulture Stan Twitter: I want you to know that your faith was not placed in these majestic beasts in vain. Vultures are Praxis.
THIS IS NOW A VULTURE THREAD. GOD I LOVE THESE BIRDS. https://twitter.com/revrrlewis/status/1215703915095908352
THIS IS NOW A VULTURE THREAD. GOD I LOVE THESE BIRDS. https://twitter.com/revrrlewis/status/1215703915095908352
I've always loved animals that are necessary but underappreciated - who doesn't love an underdog? - and a lot of scavengers fall into that role.
For a lot of them, you've got to /find/ things to love, but vultures?
They're just... they're just so fucking cool.
For a lot of them, you've got to /find/ things to love, but vultures?
They're just... they're just so fucking cool.
You've got all your standard scavenger stuff, sure.
- Guts that kill most diseases
- Not much competition for food, not much predating them.
- High intelligence, problem solving
- Necessary and good role in the ecosystem
But beyond just being great garbage men...
- Guts that kill most diseases
- Not much competition for food, not much predating them.
- High intelligence, problem solving
- Necessary and good role in the ecosystem
But beyond just being great garbage men...
They are legitimately gorgeous birds, with such amazing adaptations and survival techniques.
Like... look.
Look at this bird.
Look at this fabulous motherfucker.
Like... look.
Look at this bird.
Look at this fabulous motherfucker.
That's the Bearded Vulture, also called the Lammergeier, also called an Ossiphage.
Doesn't look much like a "normal" vulture, right? Especially those feathers on its head?
That's because it doesn't eat what other vultures eat. It doesn't eat what any other animal eats, really.
Doesn't look much like a "normal" vulture, right? Especially those feathers on its head?
That's because it doesn't eat what other vultures eat. It doesn't eat what any other animal eats, really.
They eat bones. They get almost all of their calories from BONES.
That thing which EVERYTHING ELSE WILL LEAVE BEHIND.
Is their JAM.
God, talk about a survivor! Talk about a niche!
IF YOU DIE ON EARTH THERE IS A NONZERO CHANCE THAT THESE FABULOUS DINOSAURS WILL EAT YOUR BONES.
That thing which EVERYTHING ELSE WILL LEAVE BEHIND.
Is their JAM.
God, talk about a survivor! Talk about a niche!
IF YOU DIE ON EARTH THERE IS A NONZERO CHANCE THAT THESE FABULOUS DINOSAURS WILL EAT YOUR BONES.
Rt if you'd let this good good boy have your bones after you're done with them.
"But wait, Nome. You showed some earlier that were red, but these are orange, which is it?"
OH SHIT SON NEITHER
THEY'RE WHITE.
OH SHIT SON NEITHER
THEY'RE WHITE.
"But why were those other ones different colors? Are they just dirty or something?"
I MEAN IF YOU THINK MAKEUP IS DIRT!
Which, in this case, yes. It literally is. They use dirt. As makeup.
They use cosmetics! They dye their feathers with dirt and clay and stuff! For the 'gram!
I MEAN IF YOU THINK MAKEUP IS DIRT!
Which, in this case, yes. It literally is. They use dirt. As makeup.
They use cosmetics! They dye their feathers with dirt and clay and stuff! For the 'gram!
SERVING.
LOOKS.
LOOKS.
They start off as these tiny, awkward little q-tips, then they go through a goth phase with black feathers and The Cure albums, and then they get HUGE. And HOMGRY.
AND FABULOUS.
God what a glow-up.
AND FABULOUS.
God what a glow-up.
Oh also they've killed a guy.
Allegedly.
See, they don't want meat - they just want tasty, tasty bones. But so many carcasses are just... covered in meat!
And they can't get at the bones!
And they don't want to fuck up their makeup!
So they'll pick up carcasses, fly them up high, and drop them to break open on rocks.
And they can't get at the bones!
And they don't want to fuck up their makeup!
So they'll pick up carcasses, fly them up high, and drop them to break open on rocks.
Aeschylus, the Greek playwright, the man known as the Father of Greek Tragedy, who wrote about bizzare, unexpected, and poetically ironic deaths
Was allegedly killed
When an "Eagle"
Mistook his bald head for a rock
And dropped a fucking turtle on it to break it open.
Was allegedly killed
When an "Eagle"
Mistook his bald head for a rock
And dropped a fucking turtle on it to break it open.
God, I could go on (as those of you who've heard this rant before know!) but this can't just be all Bearded Vulture time.
Brief wrap-up. Bearded vultures are a high mountain crag rooster, it's all over Eurasia and Africa, and they're in decline. Currently "Near Threatened."
Brief wrap-up. Bearded vultures are a high mountain crag rooster, it's all over Eurasia and Africa, and they're in decline. Currently "Near Threatened."
The vultures I grew up with instead, were this fabulous fucks.
Cathartes aura. The Turkey Vulture, or Buzzard.
(Suck it, Europe)
Cathartes aura. The Turkey Vulture, or Buzzard.
(Suck it, Europe)
I legitimately want to just... I want to just post pictures of them, but y'all are here for yelling, but look!
They're called Turkey vultures because of their plumage - black at a distance, but with these gorgeous tones underneath when you get close.
They're called Turkey vultures because of their plumage - black at a distance, but with these gorgeous tones underneath when you get close.
They range all over North and South America, with the exception of the coldest parts of Canada.
They don't have a syrnix (the organ that birds use to vocalize), so all they do is hiss (when threatened, or fighting) or grunt (when hungry babies, or when courting).
LOOK AT THEM.
They don't have a syrnix (the organ that birds use to vocalize), so all they do is hiss (when threatened, or fighting) or grunt (when hungry babies, or when courting).
LOOK AT THEM.
And sometimes they're Leucistic! Like Princess, here!
She's at the Alabama Wildlife Center. Tell her what a pretty girl she is.
She's at the Alabama Wildlife Center. Tell her what a pretty girl she is.
Anyway, they can soar for hours, and they can tell where carcasses are at great distances.
Not like King Vultures or Eagles or any of your falcons do, by sight!
THEY SMELL THEM!
They got a big ol' Olfactory lobe in their brain, and they SMELL CARCASSES OVER A MILE AWAY.
Not like King Vultures or Eagles or any of your falcons do, by sight!
THEY SMELL THEM!
They got a big ol' Olfactory lobe in their brain, and they SMELL CARCASSES OVER A MILE AWAY.
They smell Ethyl Mercaptan, which is the rotting-onion smell that we add to things like liquefied petroleum gas (otherwise odorless) so that we can smell the leaks.
Interestingly, that means that they'll gather at the site of gas leaks, and help warn us about damaged lines!
Interestingly, that means that they'll gather at the site of gas leaks, and help warn us about damaged lines!
Because it's given off by carcasses in the early stages of decomp (before putrefaction and subsequent disease is a problem) and it's lighter than air and detectable as only a few parts per million, they'll pick it up on thermals and follow it to carcasses even under tree cover!
And here's the cool part -
Other vultures know!
And follow them!
AND THEY WORK TOGETHER!
BECAUSE VULTURES, I REPEAT, ARE GODDAMN PRAXIS.
Other vultures know!
And follow them!
AND THEY WORK TOGETHER!
BECAUSE VULTURES, I REPEAT, ARE GODDAMN PRAXIS.
Turkey vultures, you see, don't have a big chompy beak, or strong taloned feet. They're just plain folks, y'know?
King Vultures and Condors, however, do!
(Don't worry, we'll talk about these absolute units later)
So they follow the Buzzards, and open the carcass for them!
King Vultures and Condors, however, do!
(Don't worry, we'll talk about these absolute units later)
So they follow the Buzzards, and open the carcass for them!
THEY WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, HONOR AND RESPECT EACH OTHERS' STRENGTHS, COMPENSATE FOR EACH OTHERS' WEAKNESSES, DO A HARD JOB THAT NEEDS DOING, AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY EATS.
GODDAMN.
G O D D A M N.
GODDAMN AM I A VULTURE STAN.
P R A X I S.
GODDAMN.
G O D D A M N.
GODDAMN AM I A VULTURE STAN.
P R A X I S.
What do you call a group of vultures?
IT DEPENDS!
If they're flying together, they're a kettle! Like the circling top of boiling water!
If they're resting, they're a Committee, or a Venue, since they look like men in suits!
And if they're all on a corpse... they're a Wake!
IT DEPENDS!
If they're flying together, they're a kettle! Like the circling top of boiling water!
If they're resting, they're a Committee, or a Venue, since they look like men in suits!
And if they're all on a corpse... they're a Wake!
Anyway, Turkey Vultures get a bad rap. Farmers used to kill them (thankfully protected now) because they thought they spread disease.
Which is bullshit. They *prevent* disease. They have acid piss they use to sanitize their feet. Their guts destroy anthrax. They're metal AF.
Which is bullshit. They *prevent* disease. They have acid piss they use to sanitize their feet. Their guts destroy anthrax. They're metal AF.
They... uh...
Well, to be fair, they DO hang out with Black Vultures, which are bigger, and meaner.
And... are known to carry off young cattle.
BUT THAT'S NOT THE TURKEY VULTURE'S FAULT THEY JUST HANG OUT WITH A BAD CROWD AND EAT THE LEFTOVERS.
Well, to be fair, they DO hang out with Black Vultures, which are bigger, and meaner.
And... are known to carry off young cattle.
BUT THAT'S NOT THE TURKEY VULTURE'S FAULT THEY JUST HANG OUT WITH A BAD CROWD AND EAT THE LEFTOVERS.
Is it any wonder they show up in mythology?
They're usually powerful symbols. The Cherokee word for them (Su Li) means "Peace Eagle," because they kill nothing to live. In some myths, they burned the feathers off of their heads by pushing the sun closer for us, to give us light.
They're usually powerful symbols. The Cherokee word for them (Su Li) means "Peace Eagle," because they kill nothing to live. In some myths, they burned the feathers off of their heads by pushing the sun closer for us, to give us light.
I absolutely hate that Anglo traditions cast them as the villains. They're majestic as fuck, and do so much important work.
We *need* them, and they aren't goddamn hurting anybody. They're just trying to live.
If I ever have a family crest, Turkey Vultures are going on it.
We *need* them, and they aren't goddamn hurting anybody. They're just trying to live.
If I ever have a family crest, Turkey Vultures are going on it.
A correction - I can't find a Cherokee source on the etymology of Peace Eagle / Su Li. I can find Cherokee sources giving that as the name of Buzzards, and other sources mentioning it, but with how much white folks fetishize NA traditions I can't be sure. https://twitter.com/NomeDaBarbarian/status/1216027662671466496
Also, a note on usage -
I keep calling Turkey Vultures Buzzards, because they are.
In Europe, the word refers to the Buteo Buteo, shown here, and which we in the US would call a Hawk. Euro birders shit on us for this usage.
Language is different, goddamn deal with it.
I keep calling Turkey Vultures Buzzards, because they are.
In Europe, the word refers to the Buteo Buteo, shown here, and which we in the US would call a Hawk. Euro birders shit on us for this usage.
Language is different, goddamn deal with it.
AHHHHH SO GOOD
No, @Riprapknits, you're fine - Buzzards are just social! They just hang out in groups!
Sometimes in the hundreds!
Because they're frens!
... though they may also be smelling a gas leak, which would be bad.
But probably not! https://twitter.com/Riprapknits/status/1216025694670655488
No, @Riprapknits, you're fine - Buzzards are just social! They just hang out in groups!
Sometimes in the hundreds!
Because they're frens!
... though they may also be smelling a gas leak, which would be bad.
But probably not! https://twitter.com/Riprapknits/status/1216025694670655488
Last thing - Turkey vultures are rare, in that there's very little sexual dimorphism. Females and Males have the same plumage, and are just about the same size. They all hunt, mostly alone.
They breed in caves! No nests! How weird is that?
And they court by dancing in a circle.
They breed in caves! No nests! How weird is that?
And they court by dancing in a circle.
Anyway, those are my favorites - Turkey Vultures are the hometown good boyes, and Bearded Vultures are just awesome.
But there are others!
(Which I will add to! As I think of them! And have free time! After a brief hiatus.)
LIKE LOOK AT THIS DORK.
But there are others!
(Which I will add to! As I think of them! And have free time! After a brief hiatus.)
LIKE LOOK AT THIS DORK.
BACK!
Aforementioned Dork is the Andean Condor.
The heaviest flying bird in the world is probably the Mute Swan, and the longest wingspan is probably the Wandering Albatross... but when factored together, the Andean Condor is BIGGEST FLYBOY.
Aforementioned Dork is the Andean Condor.
The heaviest flying bird in the world is probably the Mute Swan, and the longest wingspan is probably the Wandering Albatross... but when factored together, the Andean Condor is BIGGEST FLYBOY.
God, they're gorgeous.
They're huge, can cover as much as 120 miles of territory in a day's scavenging, and go for days without eating.
When they do eat, they gorge, to the point where they may not be able to lift off again.
AND FRANKLY I FEEL LIKE THEY GET ME BECAUSE OF THAT.
They're huge, can cover as much as 120 miles of territory in a day's scavenging, and go for days without eating.
When they do eat, they gorge, to the point where they may not be able to lift off again.
AND FRANKLY I FEEL LIKE THEY GET ME BECAUSE OF THAT.
They're a national symbol of several South American countries - and why the fuck wouldn't they be? - but they're endagered still.
They can live longer than humans. Thaao here lived 80yrs in captivity at the zoo in CT where he was born, & another captured as a juvie lived 72yrs.
They can live longer than humans. Thaao here lived 80yrs in captivity at the zoo in CT where he was born, & another captured as a juvie lived 72yrs.
By comparison, this is Lord Richard - he's (they thought "she" for decades, remember what I said about Turkey Vulture dimorphism, but no, definitely he) turning 46 in June at the Lindsey Wildlife Experience in California where he lives.
One of the oldest turkey vultures alive!
One of the oldest turkey vultures alive!
And as long as we're on lifespan, here's BG132, who died at 49 in '10.
Apparently, though captive Bearded Vultures live longer, their main cause of death in captivity is senile decay from a fungal infection (aspergillus) which dies at higher altitudes... like their native peaks.
Apparently, though captive Bearded Vultures live longer, their main cause of death in captivity is senile decay from a fungal infection (aspergillus) which dies at higher altitudes... like their native peaks.
ANYWAY, BACK TO CONDORS.
In North America, we're much more familiar with the California Condor, which got down to (I shit you not) 22 entire individuals in the whole goddamn world.
This is AC9, the last of the wild condors to be captured in '87.
LOOKIT HIS FACE.
In North America, we're much more familiar with the California Condor, which got down to (I shit you not) 22 entire individuals in the whole goddamn world.
This is AC9, the last of the wild condors to be captured in '87.
LOOKIT HIS FACE.
After an extensive program, we're back up to ~300 individuals, which is pretty good in thirty years given their long gestation period and lifespan.
In the begining, each baby born cost the same as a brand new F-16 fighter jet and...
... no. That's not a bird. That's a Pokemon.
In the begining, each baby born cost the same as a brand new F-16 fighter jet and...
... no. That's not a bird. That's a Pokemon.
I AM BEING TOLD IT IS DEFINITELY A BIRD.
Here we are feeding one w/ a puppet, so as not to let it get used to humans.
Fuck that's adorable.
Condors raise two eggs at a time ("double clutching"), so we would take one away to make them lay another, to get some extra puffballs.
Here we are feeding one w/ a puppet, so as not to let it get used to humans.
Fuck that's adorable.
Condors raise two eggs at a time ("double clutching"), so we would take one away to make them lay another, to get some extra puffballs.
The first one born in captivity was named Moloko, and if she's survived she's two months older than I am.
"But the tiny celebrity deserves a nickname and I suggest “Minium”. So here’s long life to you, your tiniest, Condor Minium."
CONDORMINIUM.
THE 80S HAD JOKES.
"But the tiny celebrity deserves a nickname and I suggest “Minium”. So here’s long life to you, your tiniest, Condor Minium."
CONDORMINIUM.
THE 80S HAD JOKES.
WAIT OH SHIT SON MY NUMBERS WERE OFF!
As of last January, we're up over 500, with more than half of that living outside of captivity!
They're still critically endagered, but fuck me, that's good news.
Mostly, BTW, they die of lead poisoning. From us. https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2019/07/23/california-condor-hatchlings-hit-conservation-milestone/
As of last January, we're up over 500, with more than half of that living outside of captivity!
They're still critically endagered, but fuck me, that's good news.
Mostly, BTW, they die of lead poisoning. From us. https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2019/07/23/california-condor-hatchlings-hit-conservation-milestone/
Next we have the King Vulture, which
appears
yes
Yes, that head has been replaced with a scrotom dipped in someone's makeup bag.
appears
yes
Yes, that head has been replaced with a scrotom dipped in someone's makeup bag.
The King vulture (I am restraining myself from calling it a Drag Ballsack only by main force of will) is the biggest flying thing in the Americas besides the Condors; it's got a wicked beak, its tongue is covered in teeth ("Rasps") which let it lick flesh from bone, and it hueg.
The King Vulture showed up in Mayan codicies, and seems to have (among other things) been the representation of a messenger god who carried messages back and forth between humanity and the Gods.
They're in danger due to habitat destruction, & they fly too high to easily monitor.
They're in danger due to habitat destruction, & they fly too high to easily monitor.
There's a lot of that going around, though. Here's the Red-Headed Vulture, which USED to be called the King Vulture (and probably isn't too happy with that clown-faced usurper!).
They range through Southeast Asia, and they're under threat from being poisoned by human medicines.
They range through Southeast Asia, and they're under threat from being poisoned by human medicines.
See, scavenging birds are at risk from both intentional and accidental poisoning by humans. For Condors, it was the lead shot in bullets/shells.
For Eagles and Ospreys, it was biologically accumulating pesticides like DDT.
In Red Vultures, it's NSAIDs given to livestock.
For Eagles and Ospreys, it was biologically accumulating pesticides like DDT.
In Red Vultures, it's NSAIDs given to livestock.
Diclofenac, carprofen, flunixin, ibuprofen and phenylbutazone are all toxic to them. Luckily, we've got one vulture-safe NSAID (Meloxicam) which is being pushed for livestock in the region.
They're gorgeous birds, doing good. They deserve to be able to eat. Fuck, can they live?
They're gorgeous birds, doing good. They deserve to be able to eat. Fuck, can they live?
ANGERY
QUIZZICAL
HOMGERY
Truly, the three genders.
Aww, this one almost has all the meat off that bone! If he's finished, he should pass it back to a bearded vulture, now that it's just the good stuff left.
Truly, the three genders.
Aww, this one almost has all the meat off that bone! If he's finished, he should pass it back to a bearded vulture, now that it's just the good stuff left.
ANYWAY. Bearded Vultures are in the family Gypaetinae, which makes them not *true* vultures, because that's a distinction that matters apparently.
Taxonomy can suck it. Here's the Egyptian vulture, which is a very good lad doing his best.
Taxonomy can suck it. Here's the Egyptian vulture, which is a very good lad doing his best.
*SUBfamily, god, I've been doing this too long the facts are blurring together wait it's 2 oh RIGHT I SHOULD BE MEDICATED.
They use tools! Here's one breaking open an egg with a rock!
They use tools! Here's one breaking open an egg with a rock!
Like their larger cousins, they dye their feathers too!
... mostly by shoving their faces in mud.
Look, as someone who has tried a fashion that I COULD NOT PULL OFF, I really have to sympathize with the little dears. They try so hard.
... mostly by shoving their faces in mud.
Look, as someone who has tried a fashion that I COULD NOT PULL OFF, I really have to sympathize with the little dears. They try so hard.
Anyway, that's the Yellow-Faced Vulture, and...
What?
It's not?
There's a different Vulture, with a more distinctive feature than the Egyptian vulture's BRIGHT GODDAMN YELLOW face? It gets the name instead of this?
Well what does it look like?
What?
It's not?
There's a different Vulture, with a more distinctive feature than the Egyptian vulture's BRIGHT GODDAMN YELLOW face? It gets the name instead of this?
Well what does it look like?
...
NO.
THAT IS BULLSHIT, GREATER-AND-LESSER-YELLOW-HEADED-VULTURES.
YOUR HEAD ISN'T EVEN YELLOW, YOU HAVE YELLOW /ON/ YOUR /HEAD/.
LOOK AT YOU, YOU JUST MADE ME FIND A WAY TO CAPITALIZE WORDS THAT WERE ALREADY WRITTEN IN ALL CAPS.
TAXONOMY IS DUMB.
NO.
THAT IS BULLSHIT, GREATER-AND-LESSER-YELLOW-HEADED-VULTURES.
YOUR HEAD ISN'T EVEN YELLOW, YOU HAVE YELLOW /ON/ YOUR /HEAD/.
LOOK AT YOU, YOU JUST MADE ME FIND A WAY TO CAPITALIZE WORDS THAT WERE ALREADY WRITTEN IN ALL CAPS.
TAXONOMY IS DUMB.
Anyway, just so we're not all doom and gloom - Yellow-headed Vultures (greater and lesser) are doing fine. They fill much the same niche as Turkey Vultures.
And I will grudgingly admit that they've got a cool victorian older-woman-in-high-necked-black-coat thing going on.
And I will grudgingly admit that they've got a cool victorian older-woman-in-high-necked-black-coat thing going on.
OKAY YOU'VE WON ME OVER LOOK AT YOUR FACE.
Yellow-Headed Vultures (Turkey Vultures, Condors, etc) are New World Vultures. Not terribly closely related to Old World Vultures, no matter how similar they look.
Convergent evolution! They do the same job, so they use the same tools.
Yellow-Headed Vultures (Turkey Vultures, Condors, etc) are New World Vultures. Not terribly closely related to Old World Vultures, no matter how similar they look.
Convergent evolution! They do the same job, so they use the same tools.
Similar adaptations can be found here - in the Vulturine Parrot, which I'm including as an honorary Vulture in this thread.
They don't eat carcasses - but they stick their heads inside figs to eat them!
They're the kind of bitchin' Parrot that @StrahdVonZ would have!
They don't eat carcasses - but they stick their heads inside figs to eat them!
They're the kind of bitchin' Parrot that @StrahdVonZ would have!
Also: When a Goth falls in love with a Normal.
"They're not a vulture! They don't eat carcasses! They eat shit that grows on trees!"
BITCH TELL THAT TO THE PALM NUT VULTURE, WHICH AS THE NAME IMPLIES EATS GODDAMN PALM NUTS.
TURNS OUT NOTHING IN NATURE IS SIMPLE OR EASY OR HAS CLEAN LINES DIVIDING IT.
BITCH TELL THAT TO THE PALM NUT VULTURE, WHICH AS THE NAME IMPLIES EATS GODDAMN PALM NUTS.
TURNS OUT NOTHING IN NATURE IS SIMPLE OR EASY OR HAS CLEAN LINES DIVIDING IT.
Which reminds me - why would gender or sex be, either? Why would any complex system arriving organically result in a hard and fast binary?
tl;dr the world is more complex than you learned in high school science. Trans Rights.
Bird!
tl;dr the world is more complex than you learned in high school science. Trans Rights.
Bird!
"Seems a little forced, Nome. Why not just talk about birds?"
It's just so goddamn exhausting hearing people talk about "it's basic science!" That exists as a stepping stone to learn the more complex science.
Also, them being wrong about the stuff that IS basic.
Bird!
It's just so goddamn exhausting hearing people talk about "it's basic science!" That exists as a stepping stone to learn the more complex science.
Also, them being wrong about the stuff that IS basic.
Bird!
Great question - answer: Nothing!
Or really, nothing real.
The current taxonomic model groups by descent and similarity, but it's not the only way to do it, and even words like "Species" have no real distinct real-world meaning (or one that is debated).
https://twitter.com/hagan_laura/status/1216111876183998464
Or really, nothing real.
The current taxonomic model groups by descent and similarity, but it's not the only way to do it, and even words like "Species" have no real distinct real-world meaning (or one that is debated).
https://twitter.com/hagan_laura/status/1216111876183998464
Life is big and sticky. This (maybe not Deinonycus, but a therapod in general) turned into this (palm nut vulture) over 108 million years, and at NO POINT IN THE PROCESS did one animal give birth to another animal of a different species.
Over the same amount of time ish, we came from Mamilioform Cynodonts like Megazostrodon here.
There is a direct line between this weird shrew thing and you, and at no point did something suddenly become a new species.
There is a direct line between this weird shrew thing and you, and at no point did something suddenly become a new species.
This means two things - any conversation about taxonomy for its own sake is doomed to fail, because any taxonomic system is a TOOL.
You don't have it to have it, you have it to USE it.
More Deinonychus, because it's my favorite dinosaur! And it's tangentially relevant!
You don't have it to have it, you have it to USE it.
More Deinonychus, because it's my favorite dinosaur! And it's tangentially relevant!
So what's the difference between a hawk and an eagle?
Eagles are bigger! ... except the biggest hawk (the Ferruginous Hawk) is more than half again as big as the smallest eagle (The South Nicobar Serpent-Eagle, which is 16" tall and less than a pound).
Eagles are bigger! ... except the biggest hawk (the Ferruginous Hawk) is more than half again as big as the smallest eagle (The South Nicobar Serpent-Eagle, which is 16" tall and less than a pound).
Hawks usually have white feathers on the chest and belly and grey or red/brown feathers on the back, while Eagles usually have Golden, Black, or Brown feathers throughout,
Except
Here's the Grey Hawk, and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
Except
Here's the Grey Hawk, and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
Hawks TEND to hunt from trees, while Eagles TEND to soar and hunt from altitude. But...
Eagles TEND to hunt larger prey, but...
Eagles TEND to produce subtle hissing/rasping cries, while hawks TEND to have more keening hunting calls, but...
On that one, fun fact! This Eagle?
Eagles TEND to hunt larger prey, but...
Eagles TEND to produce subtle hissing/rasping cries, while hawks TEND to have more keening hunting calls, but...
On that one, fun fact! This Eagle?
Can you remember its scream, from the begining of the Colbert Report?
NO, YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE IT WASN'T A BALD EAGLE SCREAM AT ALL. IT WAS A RED TAILED HAWK.
BAMBOOZLED!
Here, starting at about 0:16
NO, YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE IT WASN'T A BALD EAGLE SCREAM AT ALL. IT WAS A RED TAILED HAWK.
BAMBOOZLED!
Here, starting at about 0:16
Versus the Bald Eagle, which sounds like it ran out of breath while laughing at something.
(Here, starting around 0:36)
(Here, starting around 0:36)
Likewise, Vultures are Scavengers, and don't eat live prey.
EXCEPT ALL THE ONES THAT DO.
EXCEPT THAT ONE VEGETARIAN ONE.
They have bald heads
EXCEPT WHEN THEY DON'T.
There's only trends, and descent. It's very, very difficult to draw a dividing line.
EXCEPT ALL THE ONES THAT DO.
EXCEPT THAT ONE VEGETARIAN ONE.
They have bald heads
EXCEPT WHEN THEY DON'T.
There's only trends, and descent. It's very, very difficult to draw a dividing line.
Descent and genetic testing is one way to track it, sure...
... except that only lets us classify animals which exist today, and extrapolate.
I'm not shitting on Taxonomists - they do super interesting work. The tree of life is huge, and we barely know it. Good on them.
... except that only lets us classify animals which exist today, and extrapolate.
I'm not shitting on Taxonomists - they do super interesting work. The tree of life is huge, and we barely know it. Good on them.
So if you take away two things from this thread, let them be
A) Vultures are cool! (here's a White-Backed Vulture!)
B) Science is complex, because it describes life, which is IMPOSSIBLY complex. Taking as gospel something you learned in Biology 101...
... ignores Biology 102.
A) Vultures are cool! (here's a White-Backed Vulture!)
B) Science is complex, because it describes life, which is IMPOSSIBLY complex. Taking as gospel something you learned in Biology 101...
... ignores Biology 102.
Science isn't a religion, a Dogma to be memorized. It's a system, to be USED. It's a method of interrogating our world - just one system of many. One that changes. Often wrong, but always searching.
"If science thought it knew everything... it would stop." - @daraobriain
"If science thought it knew everything... it would stop." - @daraobriain
And if you take THREE Things from this thread, you should then also take HOW PROUD THESE SASSY DRAG QUEEN ALBATROSS PARENTS ARE OF THEIR COTTON BALL CHILD.
I'm off. Cheers, all.
I'm off. Cheers, all.
Also OH MY LAHD LOOK HOW BIG SEV THE #BabyVulture HAS GOTTEN!
Hope I did him proud! https://twitter.com/foxfeather/status/1205903823753154564
Hope I did him proud! https://twitter.com/foxfeather/status/1205903823753154564
My favorite thing about doing these threads is that I *definitely* find my people.
Professor, if you can work it into a lecture, I will die.
But you know, in a good way. https://twitter.com/SaraBWarf/status/1216125534066892807
Professor, if you can work it into a lecture, I will die.
But you know, in a good way. https://twitter.com/SaraBWarf/status/1216125534066892807
