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Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds).
- Eagles. Golden eagle. Harpy eagle. Bald eagle. White-tailed eagle. Steller’s sea eagle. Steppe eagle. Tawny eagle. Black eagle. Black hawk-eagle. Pygmy eagle. Booted eagle.
- Buzzards. Red-tailed hawk. Common buzzard. Red-shouldered hawk. Broad-winged hawk. Swainson’s hawk. Red-backed hawk. Grey hawk. Ferruginous hawk. Grey-lined hawk. Zone-tailed hawk.
- Harriers. Montagu’s harrier. Hen harrier. Northern harrier. Western marsh harrier. Eastern marsh harrier. African marsh harrier. Swamp harrier. Papuan harrier. Malagasy harrier.
- Kites. Black kite. Red kite. Swallow-tailed kite. White-tailed kite. Black-shouldered kite. Mississippi kite. Brahminy kite. Whistling kite. Black-eared kite. Black-winged kite.
Jun 4, 2024 · Educational. Guide To Birds Of Prey: Types & Tell-Tale Field Markers. Patrick O'Donnell. Updated: June 13, 2024. Eagles, hawks, and falcons are impressive and powerful birds! They can soar overhead on big, broad wings, swoop down to catch small animals, and even stalk birds at backyard feeders.
May 31, 2024 · Birds of prey are classified in two orders: Falconiformes and Strigiformes. Diurnal birds of prey—hawks, eagles, vultures, and falcons (Falconiformes)—are also called raptors. The nocturnal birds of prey are the owls (Strigiformes).
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Kristen Allred
- Eagles. Eagles are swift and have been clocked at over 200 miles per hour when diving. They have the best eyesight of any animal and can spot another eagle 50 miles away.
- Hawks. Hawks are birds of prey found all over the world except Antarctica. They are excellent hunters and can catch prey while flying at high speeds.
- Owls. Most owls are nocturnal birds of prey, although some are diurnal, meaning they also come out during the day. Owls are known for their large, round heads, big eyes, and silent flight.
- Falcons. Falcons have a specialized notch in their beak called a falcon’s tooth that helps them break the necks of their prey without having to spend time and energy holding it down.
In this section, we will explore some about these magnificent creatures, focusing on the largest and smallest birds of prey, the fastest flying birds of prey, nocturnal birds of prey, and the longest living birds of prey.
Birds of prey include eagles, condors, kites, falcons, hawks, osprey, owls, vultures, buzzards and secretary birds. When hunting, birds of prey use their highly adapted feet and talons to capture and kill prey.
