Comprehension Questions – Raptors Revealed
1. Multiple Choice:
What is the most common bird of prey in the UK?
A. Sparrowhawk
B. Buzzard
C. Peregrine
D. Red Kite
2. Short Answer:
How can you tell if the bird you're seeing is a red kite?
Write one clue mentioned in the text.
3. True or False:
Sparrowhawks are very large birds that fly slowly.
(True / False)
4. Vocabulary:
What does the word “carrion” mean as used in the sentence: “Buzzards are often on the
lookout for carrion…”?
A. Fresh plants
B. Rotten meat
C. Small insects
D. Tree branches
5. Fill in the Blank:
Kestrels are known for their ability to __________ in the air while watching their prey below.
6. Inference:
Why might peregrine falcons choose to live in cities? Give two reasons from the text.
7. Short Answer:
Where do ospreys spend their winters?
8. Reflective:
Why do you think birds of prey are described as “vital to our ecosystem”?
9. Matching:
Match the raptor with its behavior or feature:
Bird Behavior or Feature
Buzzard A. Long migration to breed
Osprey B. Soars on thermals, eats carrion
Peregrine Falcon C. Fast dive from high places
Kestrel D. Hovers in the air, fan-shaped tail
Vocabulary and Context Clues Questions
1. What does the word “soaring” most likely mean in this sentence?
“Buzzards… you’ll often see buzzards soaring on the thermals on hot summer days.”
A. Jumping
B. Flying high and smoothly
C. Hiding
D. Sitting on a branch
2. Find a synonym for “persecution” based on this sentence:
“However, they’re subjected to persecution, egg theft…”
A. Protection
B. Help
C. Harassment or cruelty
D. Celebration
3. What does the word “mewing” suggest about the buzzard’s call?
A. It sounds like a bark
B. It is loud and screechy
C. It is similar to a soft cat sound
D. It is deep and rumbling
4. Which word could best replace “elegant” in this sentence without changing its meaning?
“Birds of prey are majestic, elegant and a vital part of our ecosystem.”
A. Silly
B. Graceful
C. Messy
D. Dangerous
5. What is the meaning of “levitating” in this sentence?
“Kestrels are the birds you see levitating fantastically...”
6. Choose the best synonym for “vital” in this sentence:
“Birds of prey are… a vital part of our ecosystem.”
A. Unimportant
B. Expensive
C. Necessary
D. Strange
. Multiple Choice:
What is the most common bird of prey in the UK?
Answer: B. Buzzard
2. Short Answer:
How can you tell if the bird you're seeing is a red kite?
Answer: It has a forked tail.
3. True or False:
Sparrowhawks are very large birds that fly slowly.
Answer: False (They are small and fast flyers.)
4. Vocabulary:
What does the word “carrion” mean?
Answer: B. Rotten meat
5. Fill in the Blank:
Kestrels are known for their ability to hover in the air while watching their prey below.
6. Inference:
Why might peregrine falcons choose to live in cities?
Answer: Because cities have tall buildings for nesting and a steady supply of pigeons for food.
7. Short Answer:
Where do ospreys spend their winters?
Answer: West Africa
8. Reflective:
Why are birds of prey described as “vital to our ecosystem”?
Answer (sample): Because they help control the population of other animals, like rodents and
birds, and keep nature balanced.
9. Matching:
Bird Behavior or Feature
Buzzard B. Soars on thermals, eats carrion
Osprey A. Long migration to breed
Peregrine Falcon C. Fast dive from high places
Kestrel D. Hovers in the air, fan-shaped tail
Answer: B. Flying high and smoothly
Answer: C. Harassment or cruelty
Answer: C. It is similar to a soft cat sound
Answer: B. Graceful
Answer (short): Floating or staying in the air without moving much.
Answer: C. Necessary
