Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA

Zone-tailed Hawk ZTHA, Oak Flat, AZ

Zone-tailed Hawk, Sunflower, AZ

Zone-tailed Hawk juvenile, Sunflower, AZ

Zone-tailed Hawk juvenile, Sunflower, AZ

Zone-tailed Hawk, Sunflower, AZ

Zone-tailed Hawk, Oak Flat, AZ

Raptor chicks are in the nest for a long period of time.  There is rotting prey remains scattered throughout the nest material and this attracts parasites.  Raptors bring green vegetation to the nest that is aromatic and tends to repel nest parasites.  This is thought mainly for ectoparasites, the soft bodied ticks in the family Argasidae and the flesh eating flies where the larvae that cause havoc on nestlings. (thanks Ted)

Zone-tailed Hawk nestlings

Zone-tailed Hawk

Zone-tailed Hawk

Zone-tailed Hawk parent passing food to a juvenile.

Zone-tailed Hawk V Turkey Vulture

Zone-tailed Hawk V Turkey Vulture

Zone-tailed Hawk V Turkey Vulture

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