Types of Birds of Prey

A generic term for all birds of prey. Raptors are carnivorous birds with strong bills, large talons and exceptional flight capabilities. There are more than 500 species of raptors found throughout the world, and different types of raptors can be found in every type of habitat, from frozen tundras and scorching deserts to dense forests and bustling cities.

Relatively small, slender forest hawks with rounded wings and long tails that give them excellent flight maneuverability, such as Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. Accipiters are some of the most common backyard hawks and belong to the family Accipitridae, along with many other familiar raptors.

Larger hawks with broad wings and relatively short tails that soar over open country while hunting, such as red-tailed hawks and ferruginous hawks. Buteos are some of the most familiar birds of prey and can be found in urban or suburban areas, though most are found in less populated areas where prey is more abundant.

Very large soaring hawks in the family Accipitridae with exceptionally keen eyesight, very large, thick bills and powerful wings. Golden eagles and bald eagles are the most familiar species in North America, but there are many other eagle species worldwide. Eagles are often considered sacred to native tribes in countries around the world.

Raptors in the scientific family Falconidae with tapered, pointed wings built for speed and agile flight. The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest animal with dive speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Other familiar falcons include the American kestrel, merlin and prairie falcon. Because of their speed and hunting prowess, falcons are some of the most favored birds for sport hunting in falconry.

Hawks that fly low or hover while hunting over open country, often marshes or grasslands. Their unique facial disk helps them hear prey much better, and they hunt small mammals and rodents. The northern harrier is the only species regularly seen in North America, but other harriers can be found throughout the world.

Another generic term for a large grouping of different birds of prey. Raptors that are considered hawks generally have short, rounded wings and relatively long tails, but there are many variations among individual species. Hawks are generally divided into accipiters (forest hawks) and buteos (grassland hawks).

Small to medium-sized, agile birds of prey with tapered wings and graceful flight, and often with long, forked tails. Most kites are regularly seen only in southern areas in North America, except the white-tailed kite, which can be found along the Pacific coast. There is a much greater variety of kite species in Europe and Africa.

A fish hunting raptor and one of the most widespread birds of prey in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. There is only one species of osprey, and it is the only bird in the family Pandionidae. Its facial markings and long wings are good field marks, though this raptor is often confused with the bald eagle because it also has a white head.

Generally nocturnal birds of prey with upright posture and forward facing eyes set in a facial disk. Owls have keen vision, excellent hearing and nearly silent flight that make them superb night predators. The great horned owl and barn owl are widespread and familiar species, and the snowy owl is also well known, thanks to its popularity in the Harry Potter books and movies.

Though not actually birds of prey, shrikes are passerines that have behavioral characteristics similar to many raptors. Shrikes have earned the nickname “butcher birds” because they impale prey on thorns or spikes in order to tear it with their relatively weak talons, and they generally prey on insects, small birds, lizards and similar animals. The loggerhead shrike and northern shrike are the only species in North America, but there are many more in Europe and Africa.

Exceptionally large, scavenging raptors with featherless heads. Carrion is their preferred diet and vultures (often also called condors or buzzards) can soar for hours while searching for a meal. Unfortunately, vultures face many threats, including lead poisoning from contaminated carcasses.