Chicken and duck killed in middle of day (warning graphic pictures)

[CntryBoy777]

The grayish color that ya described sounds like either a Mississippi Kite or a Perigan Falcon. The dogs would certainly help and will be a major deterrant to all predators. So sorry for your losses.

 

[imnukensc]

Mississippi Kites don't feed on chickens or ducks and Peregrine falcons do not habituate in or near Charlotte, NC.

 

[happyfrenchman]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper's_hawk This is a grey hawk and it is (IMO) responsible for the vast majority of raptor attacks.

 

[imnukensc]

The Cooper's Hawks I see in my backyard on a very frequent basis (watched one for several minutes just today) pay no attention to my full grown Barred Rocks, but they sure keep an eye on the bird feeders.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Mississippi Kites don't feed on chickens or ducks and Peregrine falcons do not habituate in or near Charlotte, NC.

Guess ya didn't see this article then....
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article23852005.html
I did miss the line about Charlotte, NC....but for many years peregrines have been relocated in many dowtown cities to aid in the control of pigeon populations. I was simply going on the description given as to possibilities of a culprit, but I'm certainly not an expert. I have personally seen owls attack during daylight hours, so I wouldn't rule them out either. I have learned that a hungry predator doesn't always stick to a prescribed menu either. There is only 1 bird of prey that is specific in its diet and that would be an Osprey.....they only eat live food and never scavenge....alk the others will.....

 

[imnukensc]

I stand corrected! I knew Peregrines had been being relocated to cities for many years, but wasn't aware Charlotte had done that. I get most of my bird information from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or personal observation.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Raptor, type may be debatable... they are efficient and extremely intelligent predators... sitting around apparently not doing anything is them studying the area, your habits, etc... they strike when you are preoccupied or away... just because they haven't gone after full grown chickens or ducks in front of your eyes doesn't mean they won't when you aren't looking...

 

[Sara Ranch]

hugs

 

[chickens really]

If you seen a Hawk on the Bird...Its teaching its young that are not in adult plumage to hunt too..Lock up your Birds..

 

[Saaniya]

So painful death..
What are Hawks ??
We here in India only afaird from Wild Cats especially male cats they are they biggest poultry killer crow & eagle