Trachea
The trachea is located at the base of the raptor's tongue. The glottis is the structure surrounding the trachea. The trachea leads to the raptor's lungs. When tube feeding or tube worming a bird, the tube should NOT go through this entry, or else the bird will drown. Gently touching the opening of this tube with a Q-Tip will cause a reflexive closure of the epiglottis if the bird is responsive.

           Trachea image Trachea of a Red-Tailed Hawk.

           Trachea image Trachea of a Cooper's Hawk. Notice how the tongue is dark, typical of the Cooper's Hawk. (cadaver)

           Trachea image Trachea of a Great Horned Owl. (cadaver)




All images and text Copyright © 2004 - 2020 - Lydia Ash