(1) The hatchlings have a beak with a raptorial hook that they use to stab host nestlings.(2) Rich explained the low relative abundances of vultures and other raptorial groups as consistent with the pattern of relatively low representation in modern avifaunas.(3) All species are sleek, raptorial predators, relying on fast locomotion (both in flight and on foot) and large mandibles to actively chase down a variety of arthropod prey.(4) However, its main claim to fame is its armament of raptorial claws, bearing a strong resemblance to those of the praying mantis - hence the name.(5) Their lethal raptorial appendages provide effective weapons for acquiring and defending these homes.(6) In addition, they have potent raptorial appendages, with which they produce extremely fast and powerful strikes.(7) Compared to most raptorial birds, saw-whet owls are a very small-bodied species with high mass-specific metabolic costs.(8) Numerous explanations exist for the evolution of reversed size dimorphism in raptorial species.(9) Note that the male in the image at right has much larger eyes and raptorial appendages.(10) No one would expect detailed management histories of otters, beavers, muskrats, raptorial birds, and yet the success story of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout is worth telling.
