The analysis of rich bone assemblages from an Epipalaeolithic site in Jordan show that wing feathers were being extracted, probably for ornamental or ceremonial purposes, from eagles and buzzards. These raptors were perhaps caught by luring them with tortoises, evident from smashed shells in the same assemblage. The authors speculate on the symbolic value of eagles' wings among these pre-Neolithic people.

We studied the breeding success and distribution of three species of eagles, four species of vultures and one species of eagle owl on two areas of differing primary productivity from 1973 to 1984. Densities of all species were lower in areas with lower productivity. Breed-ing success on both biomes was similar, the lower densities of birds on the least productive biome apparently compensating for the lower productivity. Eagles produced more one-egg clutches, laid later and reared fewer young in the period of poor rainfall, probably as a result of reduced productivity. Vulture data were difficult to interpret because abundant food at breed-ing time was created by ungulate population management throughout the entire study period. Concentrations of all species on the more productive biome, and solitary breeding on the least productive biome by a normally colonially breeding species, suggests that primary production also influences vulture densities and perhaps breeding success.