Red-Tailed Hawk Cadaver

This short video was taken at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, across from the School of Veterinary Sciences building "LYNN".

The hawk on top was demonstrating behavior quite peculiar. According to Dr. Thompson who came over from the vet school, the plucking actions may be an attempt to "finish off" the wounded hawk as a result of territory competition.

Responding to the call was Dr. Steve Thompson and a vet student. Along with the creator of this movie, they retrieved the cadaver for preliminary inspection to determine the cause of death and dispose of the body.

The deceased hawk was reportedly struck by a vehicle traveling around 20-25 mph, according to a witness. Evidence of this comes from head trauma but otherwise no further injuries. The wings were intact with no breaks, and the chest was in good shape, save for being plucked slightly from the other bird.

Upon inspecting the beak's contents, evidence of intestines was visible in the esophagus. This was most likely recently eaten food, perhaps rabbit or squirrel.

The deceased hawk's body will be saved for a cadaver lab commencing in two weeks. The lab will be used to study how birds can be properly assisted to, including how to bandage wings, etc.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• hawk
• red-tailed
• veterinary
• purdue
• avian
• raptor
• university
• bird
• cadaver

[PrimoVids]

Judging by all the feathers either that or they got in a big-ass fight. Remember the incident a few years back when two eagles were on the ground, in the mud, trying to kill one another?

[Blackstone1955]

They may have been mates. How sad.

[swisshez]

LOL LOOK AT THE CAMERA AND HES GONE!!!

never knew hewould stay there

[mumpfo]

Interesting behavoir!