Which of the following bird species does not have a crop?

Prepare for the California Hawking Club Apprentice Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Master falconry and succeed in your exam!

The Great Horned Owl is the correct choice because it is notable for lacking a crop, which is a specialized pouch in some birds used for the storage and preliminary digestion of food. In owls, including the Great Horned Owl, food is typically ingested and passed directly to the stomach without being stored in a crop first.

In contrast, the Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Osprey all possess a crop, which functions as a reservoir for food. This allows them to consume prey quickly and digest it gradually. Understanding the anatomy and feeding habits of these raptors highlights the Great Horned Owl's unique adaptation to its predatory lifestyle, where it relies on its powerful digestive system rather than a crop for processing food.

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