Hawks, eagles and allies

The Accipitridae is the largest of the diurnal bird of prey families and has eagles, hawks and harrier amongst its members. In most, but not all, species in this family, the females are bigger than the males.

Genus

  • Accipiter Sparrowhawk (species)

  • Aquila Golden eagle (species)

  • Gypaetus Lammergeier (species)

  • Milvus Red kite (species)

  • Pernis Honey buzzard (species)

  • Sea eagles (Haliaeetus)

    Sea-eagles are birds of prey usually found catching fish around large bodies of water and coastlines. Known also as fish eagles, they are not to be confused with the two species of smaller true fish eagles of southeast Asia.

  • Stephanoaetus Crowned eagle (species)

About

The Accipitridae is one of the two major families within the order Accipitriformes (the diurnal birds of prey). Many well-known birds, such as hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures are included in this group. The Osprey is usually placed in a separate family (Pandionidae), as is the Secretary bird (Sagittariidae), and the New World vultures are also usually now regarded as a separate family or order. Karyotype data indicated that the accipitrids hitherto analysed are indeed a distinct monophyletic group, but whether this group should be considered a family of the Falconiformes or one or several order(s) on their own is a matter of taste.

The accipitrids are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found on all the world's continents (except Antarctica) and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are migratory.

Read more at Wikipedia

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animal (animalia)

Phylum: Chordate (Chordata)

Class: Bird (Aves)

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Accipitridae

Other Falconiformes

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