Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include some of the most majestic and skilled hunters in the avian world. Their talents and physical adaptations make them formidable predators that play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. There are many different types of raptors, ranging in size from small falcons to massive eagles. Here is an overview of the major categories of birds of prey and some of the most iconic species in each group.
Eagles
Eagles are some of the largest and most powerful birds of prey. Their massive size, sharp talons and curved beaks make them adept hunters that can take down prey much larger than themselves.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States and lives near waterways across North America. Adults have a white head and tail with a dark brown body and wingspan up to 7 feet. Bald eagles mainly eat fish but also hunt mammals and scavenge carrion.
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle has brown plumage with gold-colored feathers on the back of its head and neck. It is found across the Northern Hemisphere and is the most widely distributed eagle species. Golden eagles are savage predators, with great agility and speed when hunting mammals like hares and marmots.
Harpy Eagle
The harpy eagle is a huge, powerful rainforest raptor found in Central and South America. It has a striking appearance with fierce-looking eyes, massive claws and slate-gray feathers. Harpy eagles hunt tree-dwelling mammals like sloths and monkeys. With legs as thick as a human’s wrist, it can exert over 400 pounds of force with its talons.
Philippine Eagle
The Philippine eagle is one of the largest and most endangered eagles. It has brown and white plumage, a shaggy crest and a wingspan up to 7 feet wide. Endemic to the Philippines, these eagles use their superb vision and enormous claws to hunt mammals, birds and reptiles in dense rainforests. Less than 800 breeding pairs are estimated to remain in the wild.
Hawks
The hawk family encompasses a wide range of medium-sized raptors. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and hunting is their specialty. Hawks have sharp talons for grabbing prey and curved beaks for tearing flesh.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common and widespread raptors in North America. It is easily identified by its reddish-brown tail. Red-tailed hawks are generalist predators, feeding mainly on rodents, snakes and other small animals. They are often seen soaring overhead, scanning for prey from vantage points.
Harris’s Hawk
Harris’s hawk is a lanky, long-legged raptor found in deserts and scrublands of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They have dark brown upperparts and reddish shoulders, chest and belly. Harris’s hawks often hunt cooperatively in social groups, allowing them to take down larger prey including rabbits and birds.
Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk inhabits mature forests across North America, Europe and Asia. It has striking blue-gray upperparts and barred underparts. A bold and fierce hunter, the northern goshawk preys primarily on large birds like grouse, crows and woodpeckers. It is the largest of the North American accipiters.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is a small, secretive woodland raptor with a squared-off tail. Adults have blue-gray upperparts and barred reddish underparts. Despite being only 9 to 13 inches long, sharp-shinned hawks are aggressive predators and use quick surprise attacks to ambush small birds at feeders and in backyards.
Falcons
Falcons comprise the Falconidae family of raptors, known for their speed, keen eyesight and aerial hunting skills. They have long, pointed wings and medium-length tails. Falcons grab prey with their talons and use their sharply hooked beaks to bite the neck and kill.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is renowned for being the fastest animal on Earth. It can reach speeds over 200 mph during its characteristic hunting stoop. Widespread across the world, peregrines nest on tall cliffs and hunt other birds including pigeons and waterfowl. Their long, broad wings and streamlined bodies are perfectly adapted for acceleration and speed.
Gyrfalcon
The largest falcon species, the gyrfalcon inhabits Arctic regions of North America, Europe and Asia. It has several color variations from all white to dark gray. Gyrfalcons fiercely defend their tundra habitats against other predators, hunting birds and mammals like ptarmigan, hares and lemmings.
American Kestrel
The American kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colorful falcon. Males have bright orange bodies with slate-blue wings, while females have an orange and brown striped pattern. They can often be seen perched on wires or poles surveying grasslands for prey like mice, voles and insects. Kestrels nest in cavities like abandoned woodpecker holes.
Merlin
The merlin is a small, stocky falcon species found across temperate regions worldwide. Fast and agile in flight, merlins specialize in hunting small birds like sparrows, swallows and wrens. Adult males are slate-gray above and white underneath with bold black patches. Merlins often pursue prey in fast low-altitude chases through open country.
Vultures
Unlike most other raptors, vultures do not actively hunt and kill healthy prey. Instead, they soar great distances to scavenge animal carcasses. Their bald heads allow them to feed inside decomposing carcasses and their highly acidic stomach acid kills bacteria from rotting meat.
Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a common sight in North America, often seen circling in the sky. It uses its keen sense of smell to locate dead animals. Turkey vultures have red, featherless heads and dark brown bodies. They roost communally and migrate in flocks that can number in the thousands.
King Vulture
Native to Central and South America, the king vulture is the largest vulture species in the New World. Its striking color pattern includes a bare yellow and orange head, blue eyelids, and white wings with black flight feathers. King vultures lack a sense of smell – they locate carcasses by sight and by following other vultures.
Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture is an Old World vulture species found widely across Africa, southern Europe and Asia. It is identified by its snowy-white plumage contrasting with bare yellow face skin. Egyptian vultures frequent open country and gather in large flocks at carcasses. They also opportunistically eat eggs, insects and even organic waste.
Bearded Vulture
Also known as the lammergeier, the bearded vulture inhabits mountainous regions from Europe through Asia. Its distinctive “beard” consists of elongated black bristles below the beak. Bearded vultures are huge, with up to 9-foot wingspans. They mainly eat bones, dropping them from heights to crack them open and access the nutritious bone marrow inside.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal and crepuscular raptors with large, forward-facing eyes and powerful talons. They have rounded facial discs with asymmetrical ears that help locate prey by sound. Most owls hunt small mammals, birds, insects and other prey during twilight or darkness.
Great Horned Owl
One of the most common owls in North America, the extra-large great horned owl has prominent ear tufts, reddish-brown or gray upperparts, and white throat feathers. It preys on a wide range of animals including rabbits, skunks, geese and other owls. Great horned owls can exert up to 500 pounds of force with their crushing talons.
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls are nomadic Arctic raptors that irrupt south during winter months in years when prey is scarce. They are large and white with dark barring on the wings and tail. Snowy owls mainly prey on lemmings but also eat other small rodents. Their dense feathering provides insulation from bitterly cold temperatures.
Barred Owl
The barred owl inhabits mature forests across eastern North America. It has dark eyes and no ear tufts. Plumage is brown or gray overall with distinctive vertical white barring on the neck and upper breast. Barred owls use their exceptional hearing to locate small mammals in cluttered forest environments.
Burrowing Owl
One of the smallest North American owls, the burrowing owl lives in open grasslands, prairies and deserts. As their name suggests, they nest underground in burrows dug by mammals like prairie dogs. Burrowing owls prey mainly on insects and small rodents. Unlike most owls, they are active during the day and at twilight.
Ospreys
Ospreys, also called fish eagles, are a distinct group of diurnal raptors specialized for catching fish. They have angled talons, reversible outer toes and closable nostrils to protect from splashing water. Ospreys are found along waterways on every continent except Antarctica.
Western Osprey
The western osprey is common across North America, where it fishes rivers, lakes and coastal areas. It is brown above and white below with some darker streaking. These raptors mate for life and use huge stick nests, often reusing and adding to previous years’ nest structures. Ospreys dive feet first to snatch fish near the water’s surface.
African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle inhabits freshwater habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This large grayish-brown eagle has a contrasting snow-white head, neck, tail and wings. African fish eagles can snatch fish up to 5 pounds in weight from the water. Their loud, melodious calls are an iconic African wilderness sound.
Secretary Birds
Secretary birds are terrestrial hunters of the African grasslands. They are strikingly-patterned raptors with long legs, short wings, crested heads and central tail feathers extended like quills. Secretary birds get their name from their supposed resemblance to scribes carrying quills. They catch prey like insects, lizards, and rodents by walking stealthily across the savanna and delivering powerful kicks.
Caracaras
Caracaras comprise a group of tropical and subtropical raptors including the forest falcons and desert falcons. They inhabit Central and South America, as well as the southern United States. Caracaras are opportunistic hunters and scavengers. Most species have distinctive bare facial skin.
Crested Caracara
The crested caracara is a large, vulturine falcon found in dry grasslands and scrub from the southern U.S. to Tierra del Fuego. It has a black body, long legs, and a distinctive yellow or orange face. Crested caracaras are highly adaptable, feeding on carrion, insects, small vertebrates, eggs and other prey. They are social raptors and feed, roost and nest in groups.
Red-Throated Caracara
The red-throated caracara inhabits tropical forests from Costa Rica to Brazil and Peru. It has a red face and throat with a black cap and body. Red-throated caracaras feed mainly on carrion but also take live prey like snakes, rodents and wasp nests. They are highly aerial and often fly in circles to spot food sources below the tree canopy.
Kites, Hawks and Eagles of Asia and Australia
Several raptor groups like kites, buzzards and eagles are found mainly or exclusively in Asia, Australia and surrounding regions. They fill important ecological niches across those diverse habitats.
Black Kite
A widespread Old World kite, the black kite breeds across Australia, Asia and Europe. It is a fairly small, uniformly dark brown raptor with angled wings. Black kites scavenge for carrion and garbage but also hunt small vertebrates and insects. Their acrobatic flight displays are a common sight over villages, towns and cities.
Brahminy Kite
This striking chestnut-colored kite inhabits coastal areas from India to Australia and Polynesia. It has a contrasting white head and breast with a chestnut reddish-brown body. Brahminy kites feed on fish and crabs by hovering and plunging feet-first to snatch prey near the water’s surface. They often follow fishing boats to scavenge scraps.
Black Eagle
A powerful hunter, the black eagle breeds in forested mountains and woodlands of southern Asia. It is mainly black all over with a contrasting white “bib” on its neck. Black eagles hunt mammals as large as monkeys and sloths but also take birds, reptiles and carrion. Each mating pair requires a huge mountainous territory, driving away intruders.
Wedge-Tailed Eagle
With its distinctive diamond-shaped tail, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. It has broad wings and dark brown plumage with lighter flecks on the wings and neck. Wedge-tailed eagles inhabit forests and open country across Australia. They hunt rabbits, wallabies, birds and carrion. Pairs demonstrate remarkable aerial agility in courtship displays.
Eastern Imperial Eagle
A large Eurasian eagle, the eastern imperial eagle breeds in eastern Europe and temperate Asia. Adults have all-dark plumage with a golden wash on the head and neck. They inhabit open country like steppes and pasturelands. Eastern imperial eagles feed mainly on small mammals like susliks, but also take birds, reptiles and carrion.
Falcons of the Old World
Falcons are found worldwide, but several species occur mainly or exclusively in Europe, Asia and Africa. Many are similar in appearance and Fill overlapping ecological roles to their New World counterparts.
Eurasian Hobby
A long-winged, fast-flying falcon, the Eurasian hobby breeds across Europe and Asia. It feeds on large flying insects like dragonflies, which it catches in flight. Eurasian hobbies also prey on small birds like swallows and swifts in high-speed aerial pursuits. They have bluish-gray upperparts, rufous thighs, and white underparts with dark streaks.
Saker Falcon
The saker falcon is found across a huge range from eastern Europe to central Asia. This large, powerful falcon has dark brown upperparts and pale underparts with heavy streaking. Saker falcons inhabit open country and nest on cliffs and ruins. They specialize in hunting other birds including pigeons, partridges, and waterfowl.
Lanner Falcon
A slim, athletic falcon, the lanner breeds in semi-desert and savanna habitats across Africa and southeastern Europe. It has a reddish-brown back, paler underparts with fine streaks, and a bold black tear stripe below the eye. Lanner falcons often hunt in pairs or family groups, preying on small mammals and birds flushed by beating their wings along cliffsides.
Amur Falcon
The Amur falcon is a small, agile falcon that migrates all the way from eastern Siberia and Asia to southern Africa. It has largely gray upperparts and reddish underparts, with a white throat and vent. Amur falcons gather by the millions in India and Africa during migration. They specialize in catching flying insects and flocking migratory bats.
Conservation Status
Many birds of prey populations have declined due to habitat loss, persecution by humans, and pesticide poisoning. At least 12 species are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. However, some species have adapted to living near humans and even thrive around agriculture and urban areas. Protecting migratory flyways and reducing harmful pesticides is critical to conserving raptor populations. With renewed conservation efforts, these magnificent hunters can continue their vital ecological roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different groups and types of birds of prey?
The major groups of birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, owls, ospreys and kites. Iconic types include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, snowy owl and red-tailed hawk. There are many lesser-known tropical species like the harpy eagle, secretarybird and black-chested buzzard-eagle.
How do birds of prey catch and kill their food?
Raptors use a variety of hunting techniques to catch prey, depending on factors like size, habitat and types of prey. Most grasp prey tightly in strong talons and kill with their hooked beaks. Falcons strike prey in mid-air with their talons at high speeds. Owls rely on stealth and swift ambush attacks. Eagles, hawks and kites often snatch prey from the ground after quick dives.
Why are birds of prey important to ecosystems?
As predators near the tops of food chains, raptors help regulate populations of other species. This limits trophic cascades and instability in ecosystems. Birds of prey cull sick or weak individuals, leaving healthier prey populations. Scavenging species like vultures efficiently dispose of carrion and prevent the spread of diseases. Overall, raptors are keystone species that maintain natural balances.
How fast can birds of prey fly?
The speeds different raptors can achieve vary widely based on wing morphology and hunting techniques. Some eagles, vultures and kites soar slowly while watching for food below. In powered flight, most raptors can reach 20-40 mph. The swiftest is the peregrine falcon, which can dive at over 200 mph when stooping to catch prey. Other speedy falcons still only rarely exceed 100 mph in level flight.
Why are many birds of prey threatened or endangered?
Habitat destruction reduces raptors’ nesting areas and hunting grounds. Use of pesticides and poisons accumulates in raptors and impacts reproduction. Raptors are also vulnerable to persecution – illegal shooting and intentional poisoning by farmers. Collisions with vehicles and infrastructure like wind turbines take a toll. Conservation measures aimed at protecting birds