Author: Lori Arent, MS

Article 

Raptor Anatomy Fundamentals

Veterinary health professionals may be presented with raptors or birds of prey from the wild or those held for education, research, captive breeding, or falconry. If you are comfortable with the basics of avian anatomy and physiology, then you are well on your way to understanding raptors. However, this taxonomic group has many unique anatomic and physiologic adaptations that allow these birds to pursue and catch prey, including flight, beak, and talon modifications. The following collection of raptor
anatomy and physiology facts should serve the reader well during physical examination, clinical care, and/or necropsy.

Lori Arent, MS

Lori Arent is the Assistant Director at The Raptor Center (TRC), College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She has a Master’s of Science in Veterinary Physiology from the University of MN. Prior to her current role at TRC, she managed the rehabilitation of 800-1000 raptor patients annually, with a special focus on reconditioning and pre-release preparations. She has authored multiple resources, such as Raptors in Captivity, Guidelines for Care and Management…and the chapter on Avian Anatomy and Physiology in Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians.