A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Types of Raptors

Andean ​Condor​
Andean ​Condor​

Andean Condors have the longest wingspan of any raptor. The Andean Condor is the only New World vulture in which the males are visibly different than the females. The male has a large comb on his head that the females lack.

Barn owl​
Barn owl​

Ghostly pale and normally strictly nocturnal, Barn Owls are silent predators of the night world. Lanky, with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upperparts, this owl roosts in hidden, quiet places during the day.

Barred Owl​
Barred Owl​

Like many raptor species, the Barred Owl is an opportunistic hunter - meaning it will catch and eat just about anything it can whenever the opportunity presents itself. This also means that it eats a large number of different prey species.

image: etsy.com
Black Kite​
Black Kite​

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. It is thought to be the world's most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations.

Black Vulture​
Black Vulture​

With a bright black belly, black back and black wings with white wing tips, it is easy to see how this vulture got its name. It has red eyes, a bald, grayish head with wrinkles that resemble those of a turkey, and pale grayish feet.

Blakiston's ​Fish owl​
Blakiston's ​Fish owl​

Blakiston's fish owl ... However, in other raptor communities, diurnal raptors and owls can co-exist successfully given their distinct times of activity.

Booted Eagle​
Booted Eagle​

Like other raptors, after fledging, the young are dependent on their parents. For the Booted Eagles, this period is rather short with only about two weeks [Mebs & Schmidt 2006]. Food and hunting The Booted Eagle has a broad diet. From insects up to medium sized birds and mammals, everything is taken.

Burrowing owl​
Burrowing owl​

The Burrowing Owl is a New World species that can be found in southwestern Canada, across the western United States and into Florida, throughout Central America, on some Caribbean islands, and in most of South America.

California ​Condor​
California ​Condor​

COMMON NAME: California condor SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gymnogyps californianus IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: The California condor has a wingspan of 9-9.5 feet and weighs approximately 20 pounds. It is the largest flying bird in North America. Adult plumage is acquired at 5 to 6 years of age.

Cinereous ​Vulture​
Cinereous ​Vulture​

The cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a large raptorial bird that is distributed through much of Eurasia. It is also known as the black vulture, monk vulture, or Eurasian black vulture. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers.

Circinae​
Circinae​

The subfamily Circinae has traditionally included the genera Polyboroides and Geranospiza which include three species - the Madagascan harrier-hawk, (Polyboroides radiatus), the African harrier-hawk, (Polyboroides typus) and the crane hawk, (Geranospiza caerulescens).

Common ​Buzzard​
Common ​Buzzard​

An agriculture that does not use pesticides could benefit Common Buzzards (and many other bird species). Fallow land, that benefits the prey of the Common Buzzard is also important for the conservation of other raptors like the Western Marsh Harrier or the Eastern Imperial Eagle.

Common ​Kestrel​
Common ​Kestrel​

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In Britain, where no other kestrel species occurs, it is generally just called "the kestrel". This species occurs over a large range.

Crested ​Honey Buzzard​
Crested ​Honey Buzzard​

The crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers.

image: hkbws.org.hk
Eastern ​Buzzard​
Eastern ​Buzzard​

A bird of prey, predatory bird, or raptor is any of several species of bird that hunts and feeds on rodents and other animals. The term raptor is derived from the Latin word rapere, meaning to seize or take by force. Birds of prey have keen vision that allows them to detect their prey during flight, as well as powerful talons and beaks.

image: hkbws.org.hk
Eurasian ​Eagle-owl​
Eurasian ​Eagle-owl​

Eurasian Eagle-owl and The World Center for Birds of Prey At our World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, we have a Eurasian Eagle-owl named Wally that helps educate visitors about his species and owls in general.

Eurasian ​Hobby​
Eurasian ​Hobby​

English: Eurasian Hobby, Hobby Scientific: Falco subbuteo German: Baumfalke Spanish: Alcotán europeo French: Faucon hobereau Taxonomy and Subspecies Currently 2 subspecies recognized. F. s. streichi occurs in southern and eastern China and maybe also in northern Indochina and eastern Myanmar. F. s.

image: hkbws.org.hk
Eurasian ​Scops owl​
Eurasian ​Scops owl​

For example, the Eurasian Eagle Owl can be a powerful predator of most European raptors species and also other owls. For this reason, and because owls a very interesting birds, I’ve added species accounts for the owls.

image: tepid.ru
Eurasian ​Sparrowhawk​
Eurasian ​Sparrowhawk​

On a European scale, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk is currently not threatened, but some threats are still a problem. Pesticides can have a negative effect. Either be affecting the birds themselves or by reducing songbird populations which can have a negative effect on Sparrowhawks. DDT or other problematic pesticides are now illegal and ...

European ​Honey Buzzard​
European ​Honey Buzzard​

[Bauer et al. 2005] write that the European Honey-Buzzard can breed with 2 years but only rarely does so. Normally 2 eggs are laid, rarely 1 or 3. Incubation time is between 30 and 37 days and the young stay in the nest between 35 and 48 days.

Great Grey ​owl​
Great Grey ​owl​

Great Gray Owl and The World Center for Birds of Prey The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. Interactive activities, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes await you.

Great Horned ​owl​
Great Horned ​owl​

Great-horned Owls, like many other owl species, will swallow smaller prey items such as rats, whole! For larger prey, of course, they must use their sharp beaks to tear off bite-sized chunks of meat. When an owl does swallow its prey whole - it swallows everything - bones,teeth, tails and claws, and fur and feathers.

image: etsy.com
Grey-Faced ​Buzzard​
Grey-Faced ​Buzzard​

Frog Hawk, Gray-faced Buzzard, Gray-faced Buzzard-hawk, Grey-faced Buzzard-eagle.

image: avibirds.com
Griffon Vulture​
Griffon Vulture​

The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. It is also known as the Eurasian griffon. It is not to be confused with a different species, Rüppell's griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii).

Gyrfalcon​
Gyrfalcon​

The Gyrfalcon is the largest true falcon in the world. They have a variety of plumage colors that range from a dappled white to almost pure black. Gyrfalcons have been highly regarded by falconers throughout falconry’s history.

Hen Harrier​
Hen Harrier​

The hen harrier is 41–52 cm (16–20 in) long with a 97–122 cm (38–48 in) wingspan. It resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages. The sexes also differ in weight, with males weighing 290 to 400 g (10 to 14 oz), with an average of 350 g (12 oz), and females weighing 390 to 750 g (14 to 26 oz), with an average of 530 g (19 oz).

Japanese ​Sparrowhawk​
Japanese ​Sparrowhawk​

The Japanese Sparrowhawk is a migratory species and as many as 10,000 individuals may pass through the East Asian Continental Flyway each year! The Japanese Sparrowhawk uses a few different vocalizations, one common call is a series of quick, short, shrill notes, often used for food begging.

King Vulture​
King Vulture​

The King Vulture appears often in the Mayan codices - books written by the Maya in their hieroglyphic script. After the Andean and California Condors, the King Vulture is the largest vulture of the New World.

Little owl​
Little owl​

Not many people realise that the Little owl is an invader of the British bird of prey species list. This means that this bird was introduced to the British countryside and has been adopted as a native bird of prey.

source: raptoraid.net
Long-Eared ​owl​
Long-Eared ​owl​

Like many owl species, the Long-eared Owl doesn't build its own nest, nor does it nest in tree cavities. It actually depends on other birds to help it find the perfect nesting spot. Long-eared Owls will nest in stick nests made and abandoned by other birds, including raptors, crows, magpies or even herons.

Merlin​
Merlin​

Such sexual dimorphism is common among raptors; it allows males and females to hunt different prey animals and decreases the territory size needed to feed a mated pair. The male merlin has a blue-grey back, ranging from almost black to silver-grey in different subspecies.

Montagu's ​Harrier​
Montagu's ​Harrier​

The Montagu's harrier is a migratory bird of prey of the harrier family. Its common name commemorates the British naturalist George Montagu.

Northern ​Goshawk​
Northern ​Goshawk​

The northern goshawk / ˈ ɡ ɒ s. h ɔː k / (Accipiter gentilis) is a medium-large raptor in the family Accipitridae, which also includes other extant diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. As a species in the genus Accipiter, the goshawk is often considered a "true hawk".

Osprey​
Osprey​

The osprey or more specifically the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — also called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk — is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings.

Peregrine ​Falcon​
Peregrine ​Falcon​

Like many raptors, Peregrine Falcon females are larger than the males. The Peregrine Falcon was removed from the Endangered Species list in 1999, thanks to efforts by The Peregrine Fund and many other organizations and individuals.

Red Kite​
Red Kite​

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. The species currently breeds in the Western Palearctic region of Europe and northwest Africa, though it formerly also occurred in northern Iran.

Red-Footed ​Falcon​
Red-Footed ​Falcon​

A LIFE project for the conservation of the Red-footed Falcon project is currently underway which aims to increase the number of nesting pairs, do more research on habitat use and migration, impose actions to conserve rookeries and increase public awareness about Red-footed Falcons and Rooks [Falco Project 2009].

Red-​Shouldered Hawk​
Red-​Shouldered Hawk​

The red-shouldered hawk is a member of the genus Buteo, a group of medium-sized raptors with robust bodies and broad wings. Members of this genus are known as buzzards in Europe, but hawks in North America.

Red-Tailed ​Hawk​
Red-Tailed ​Hawk​

The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most widely distributed hawks in North America. Red-tailed Hawks are found throughout much of Canada and the United States and are also scattered throughout Central America and the West Indies.

Rough-​Legged Buzzard​
Rough-​Legged Buzzard​

The rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus), also called the rough-legged hawk, is a medium-large bird of prey. It is found in Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia during the breeding season and migrates south for the winter.

image: scanbird.com
Saker Falcon​
Saker Falcon​

The saker falcon has been used in falconry for thousands of years, and like its very close relative the gyrfalcon is a highly regarded falconry bird. Swift and powerful, it is effective against medium and large game bird species.

Secretarybird​
Secretarybird​

The Secretarybird is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. It ranges from Senegal and Somalia all the way to the tip of South Africa. Similar to the Northern Harrier, this stunning, long-legged raptor is a bird of open country.

Sharp-​Shinned Hawk​
Sharp-​Shinned Hawk​

The Sharp-shinned Hawk’s prey usually is taken to a special location near the nest to be plucked of its feathers or fur. This perch is referred to as a plucking post or butcher’s block. All North American accipiters have red eyes as adults. Sharp-shinned Hawks, or "Sharpies" are the smallest hawks in North America.

Short-Eared ​owl​
Short-Eared ​owl​

They are able to fly long distances - even over the wide open ocean. Some people have reported observing Short-eared Owls landing on boats many hundres of miles from any land mass. In years when prey concentrations are high, one Short-eared Owl female may lay as many as 14 eggs in a single clutch.

Short-Toed ​Snake Eagle​
Short-Toed ​Snake Eagle​

English: Short-toed Eagle, Short-toed Snake-eagle Scientific: Circaetus gallicus German: Schlangenadler Spanish: Culebrera europea French: Circaète Jean-le-Blanc Taxonomy and Subspecies No subspecies. The genus Circaetus is probably closely related to the Old World Vultures Aegypiinae [GRIN 2009].

Snowy owl​
Snowy owl​

owls are in the order strigiformes, while hawks, falcons, etc. are in the order falconiformes. therefore, owls are not technically raptors. however, they are basically the "night shift" for the falconiformes, and fill the same roles, so they are still birds of prey.

source: birdforum.net
Southern ​Crested Caracara​
Southern ​Crested Caracara​

The southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus), also known as the southern caracara or carancho, is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae. As presently defined, the southern crested caracara is restricted to central and southern South America.

Tawny owl​
Tawny owl​

Tawny owl Allen Holmes [c] Our most common owl, (and one that most people recognise by its call) the Tawny owl ,can be found in a variety of habitats such as urban and rural gardens, town parks, farmland copses and woodlands.

source: raptoraid.net
Turkey Vulture​
Turkey Vulture​

The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the turkey buzzard (or just buzzard), and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures.

Ural owl​
Ural owl​

The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is a medium-sized nocturnal owl of the genus Strix, with up to 15 subspecies found in Europe and northern Asia. Strix uralensis-Range Map The Ural owl is smaller than the great grey owl, and much larger than the tawny owl, which it superficially resembles.