Raptors sounds like dinosaurs, but in truth they are birds of prey that are found all over Thailand. We have some special ones in Krabi. There are 72 raptor species in Thailand during the year – some migrate and are here part of the year.
Krabi Raptors
I first realized we had raptors when I saw eagles flying over the Krabi River in town. There are many of them. Sometimes they come down to the water to prey on fish at the top. It’s fascinating to watch them swoop down so fast and grab a fish expertly then take off into the sky to find a perch to eat it at.
I know a place where they dive for fish regularly. It’s a great place for photos if you have a 400mm lens or longer. The pools of water where the fish are are roughly 50 meters wide.
The word “raptor” is derived from the Latin term for “to seize or take hold of.” These birds use their strong, razor-sharp claws to capture prey and protect themselves. Many types of birds are considered raptors, including eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, and owls.
Raptors in Krabi use their strong talons to prey on small cats, small dogs, squirrels, snakes, lizards, rats, mice, shrews, other birds, mudskippers, and fish. Raptors are carnivores and don’t eat seeds or fruit.
Raptors, or birds of prey, are a diverse group of birds known for their predatory skills, keen eyesight, and powerful talons. Thailand, and especially Southern Thailand around Krabi, is home to a fascinating array of these magnificent birds. Raptors in this region include species such as eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, buzzards, and owls. Let’s explore these birds in depth for your thousand-word article.
Raptors in Thailand and Krabi
Southern Thailand, particularly the Krabi region, offers a rich ecosystem of forests, mangroves, and coastlines, which is ideal for a wide variety of raptors. Commonly sighted species include:
- White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
- Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
- Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis)
Diet and Hunting
Raptors are carnivorous and highly specialized hunters. Depending on the species, their diet may include:
- Fish: Species like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and Osprey hunt fish by swooping down and grabbing them from the water with their sharp talons.
- Insects: The Oriental Honey Buzzard is a specialist in feeding on larvae and honey from bee hives, though it also eats small reptiles and mammals.
- Small mammals and birds: Kites and buzzards typically prey on small rodents, birds, and even snakes.
- Amphibians and reptiles: Species like the Brown Fish Owl catch frogs and small reptiles from freshwater bodies.
- Carrion: Kites, especially the Black Kite, will also scavenge for dead animals.
Daily Patterns and Sleep
Most raptors are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Their hunting activity typically peaks in the early morning or late afternoon, when prey is more active and temperatures are cooler. At night, they roost in trees, cliffs, or other secluded areas to rest.
Owls, like the Oriental Bay Owl, are nocturnal, meaning they hunt at night and sleep during the day. They rely on excellent night vision and a silent flight to catch small mammals and insects under the cover of darkness.
Migration Patterns
Raptors in Thailand show varying migration patterns. For instance, the Osprey and Oriental Honey Buzzard are migratory species that pass through Thailand during the winter months. The Osprey, for example, migrates from its breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to wintering grounds in Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
On the other hand, species like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and Brahminy Kite are residents in Thailand, meaning they do not migrate and remain in the region year-round.
Shorebird Status
While not technically shorebirds, some raptors are commonly found near coastal areas due to their reliance on aquatic prey. For instance:
- White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys are often seen hunting along the coastlines and estuaries in Southern Thailand, including Krabi.
- Brahminy Kites also frequent shorelines, particularly around mangroves, rivers, and coastal forests.
Size and Weight
Raptors vary in size, from smaller kites to large eagles:
- White-bellied Sea Eagle: Can weigh up to 3-4 kg with a wingspan reaching 2 meters.
- Osprey: Weighs around 1.4-2 kg, with a wingspan of about 1.5-1.8 meters.
- Brahminy Kite: Lighter, typically weighing 400-600 grams, with a wingspan of 1.2 meters.
- Oriental Honey Buzzard: Weighs around 800 grams to 1.5 kg.
Is an Eagle the Largest Bird in Thailand?
No, surprisingly! The Great Hornbill can be 1.5 meters long, and have a wingspan of 1.5 meters!
Reproduction and Offspring
Raptors usually breed once a year. Most species lay 2 to 4 eggs, although this varies by species. For example:
- White-bellied Sea Eagles build massive nests in tall trees or on cliffs near water, laying one to three eggs. Both parents help incubate the eggs and feed the young.
- Owls like the Oriental Bay Owl typically lay 2 to 3 eggs in hollow trees or cavities, and the chicks fledge after several weeks of care from the parents.
Endangered Status
Most raptor species in Thailand are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, meaning they are not currently endangered. However, habitat loss and environmental pollution are persistent threats. The Oriental Bay Owl is considered Near Threatened due to its reliance on undisturbed forest habitats, which are increasingly under threat.
Raptors: Easy to Find vs. Hard to Find
- Easy to find: The Brahminy Kite and Black Kite are common and easily spotted around wetlands, rivers, and coasts.
- Hard to find: The Oriental Bay Owl and Banded Kestrel are elusive, preferring dense forests and often staying out of sight.
We do have a place we see the Oriental Bay Owl, as well as some other owls, at times. I won’t say often, but if we’re really looking for owls, we’ll probably see on during one of our Night Walks.
Preferred Habitat
The habitat of raptors in Krabi varies by species:
- Coastal and mangrove areas: Species like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and Brahminy Kite thrive in coastal regions, where they hunt fish and small marine creatures.
- Forest and woodland: Raptors like the Oriental Honey Buzzard and Brown Fish Owl are more commonly found in forested areas, hunting in open woodlands or near rivers.
- Wetlands: Ospreys and other fish-eating raptors prefer wetlands, rivers, and estuaries for hunting.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Hunting
Many raptors in Southern Thailand, particularly in Krabi, hunt in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The White-bellied Sea Eagle and Osprey are specialists in coastal and freshwater habitats, hunting along both rivers and the sea. Meanwhile, species like the Brahminy Kite and Black Kite are more versatile, hunting along both shorelines and inland water bodies.
Body Shape and Features
Raptors are characterized by their robust, muscular bodies, strong wings for soaring, and powerful talons for catching prey. They have keen eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. For example:
- The Osprey has long, slender wings adapted for gliding and quick dives.
- The White-bellied Sea Eagle has a broad wingspan for soaring over water, with a sharp, hooked beak for tearing apart fish.
Nesting and Roosting
Raptors typically build nests in high places to avoid predators. Eagles and kites will often nest in tall trees or on cliff faces, while owls like the Oriental Bay Owl prefer hollow trees or natural cavities in forests. The Osprey builds large, bulky nests out of sticks near water.
Raptor Calls and Vocalizations
Raptors have distinct calls, often used to communicate with mates or to signal rights over a territory.
- The White-bellied Sea Eagle has a loud, yelping call.
- The Oriental Honey Buzzard makes a high-pitched whistling sound.
- Owls like the Oriental Bay Owl are known for their eerie, low hoots.
Male vs. Female Appearance
In most raptors, males and females look similar, though females are often slightly larger. For example, the White-bellied Sea Eagle females tend to be larger, though both sexes have the same striking white belly and grey-brown wings. The Brahminy Kite has very little sexual dimorphism, with both sexes sharing the same chestnut brown plumage and white head.
Best Places in Krabi to Find Raptors
Over the Krabi River is a good place to see ospreys and the white-bellied sea eagle. Owls can be found at night in the rainforest and along country roads – perched on low branches about 4-5 meters off the ground.
Kites can be found in residential areas as they target birds in cages that Thais use for gambling contests.
Tops of mountains and cliffs are good places to find eagles, Oriental honey buzzards, kites, ospreys, and owls.
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