Bird of prey

Birds of prey, also called raptors, are special birds that hunt and eat other animals. They catch small mammals, reptiles, and even other birds. They have very sharp eyesight to see their food from far away. They also have strong feet with sharp claws called talons to grab their food, and powerful curved beaks to tear flesh.

Some birds of prey, like fish eagles, vultures, and condors, also eat animals that have already died. This is called scavenging.

Scientists who study birds, called ornithologists, have a specific way to define birds of prey. This means birds like storks, cranes, herons, gulls, and some crows are not usually called birds of prey, even if they sometimes eat meat.

These amazing birds have lived on Earth for a very long time. Some ancient birds that are no longer alive also had sharp claws like modern birds of prey. Learning about birds of prey helps us understand how birds have changed and adapted over millions of years.

Common names

The word raptor means “to seize or take by force.” Birds of prey have many names based on how they look.

• Eagles are large, strong birds with big wings and huge feet. Booted eagles have feathers on their feet and build large nests.
• Falcons and kestrels are medium-sized, fast flyers with long, pointed wings. They belong to the Falconidae family.
• True hawks are medium-sized woodland birds that hunt from hidden spots and have long tails for turning quickly.
• Buzzards are strong, medium to large birds with broad wings. In North America, they are often called hawks.
• Harriers are slender birds with long tails and legs, hunting small animals over grasslands and marshes with their sharp eyesight.
• Kites have long wings and weak legs, often soaring and eating insects or scraps.
• The osprey is a worldwide species that catches fish and builds large nests.
• Owls hunt at night, fly quietly, and have excellent night vision and hearing.
• The secretary bird is a large bird with long legs found in Africa's open grasslands.
• Vultures are scavengers that eat animals that have already died. There are two types: Old World vultures found in the Eastern Hemisphere, and New World vultures found in the Western Hemisphere. Both often have bare heads.

Systematics

The way scientists sort birds of prey has changed over time. In the past, all birds of prey were grouped together. Now, they are split into different groups based on their looks and actions.

Today, birds that are active during the day are placed in six families across two orders. These include hawks, eagles, buzzards, harriers, kites, Old World vultures, the osprey, the secretarybird, falcons, caracaras, forest falcons, and New World vultures such as condors. Birds that are active at night, the owls, are placed in two families: typical owls and barn and bay owls.

Possible inclusion of Cariamiformes

Cariamiformes is a group of birds that includes living seriemas and extinct terror birds. Some scientists think seriemas should be counted as birds of prey because they hunt other animals. However, not everyone agrees, as seriemas look different from typical birds of prey with their long legs and necks. They used to be placed in a different bird group called Gruiformes, but new research moved them to Cariamiformes.

Migration

Birds of prey, also called raptors, started migrating millions of years ago. Their migrations began about 14 to 12 million years back, making it one of the oldest known bird migrations. Many of these birds likely came from the Southern Hemisphere and later spread to other places.

How these birds migrate depends on where they live and what they eat. New studies show that the size of their nests and their hunting styles help decide where they travel. Different areas, like between Europe and Africa or between North and South America, have their own special migration paths because of natural barriers. Learning about these paths is important for keeping these wonderful birds safe during their trips.

Sexual dimorphism

Birds of prey, also called raptors, often look different between males and females. This is called sexual dimorphism. In many birds, males are larger, but in raptors, females are usually bigger. For example, in kestrels, a type of falcon, smaller males can hunt more easily and defend the nest, while larger females can take care of more chicks.

These size differences help the birds survive and have healthy families. Both males and females look for good places to build nests and find mates, which also helps these differences happen.

Olfaction

We once thought birds could not smell. Now we know many birds, including some birds of prey, can smell. But most raptors use their great vision to find food. Scientists have studied how sharp their eyesight is. A review in 2020 looked at their anatomy, genes, and behavior. It showed that raptors may use their sense of smell in different situations.

Persecution

Birds of prey have been harmed by humans for many years. In places like the Faroe Islands, hunters were rewarded for killing these birds. In Britain, birds like kites and buzzards were killed because people thought they harmed other birds. The Netherlands also had rewards for killing birds of prey. In parts of Germany, many of these birds were killed between 1705 and 1800.

Some birds also get sick after eating animals that had lead shot. The lead can poison the birds and make them weaker or cause early deaths.

Attacks on humans

Some birds of prey have sometimes hurt humans, especially children. For example, there are stories about an African crowned eagle attacking a young boy, but he lived. Scientists found parts of a child’s skull in one of these eagles’ nests, which makes them think these birds might sometimes see humans as food. Other large birds, like cassowaries, can hurt people when they are protecting themselves.

Fossils show that very big birds from long ago might have been a threat to early humans. For example, the Taung Child, an ancient human child found in Africa, might have been attacked by a large eagle-like bird. In New Zealand, the Haast's eagle could have been dangerous to early humans, which fits with stories from Maori folklore. Several other large extinct birds of prey might also have been a danger to humans.

Vision

Birds of prey have very sharp vision to find food, move around, and stay safe. Their big eyes let them see details clearly from far away. Some, like eagles and Old World vultures, can see much better than humans.

These birds have special parts in their eyes called foveas that help them see clearly. They move their heads to get the best view of what they are looking at. This helps them spot prey from both close and far distances. They see colors well, but they don't see ultraviolet light as clearly, which keeps their vision sharp.

Cultural significance

Birds of prey have special meanings in many cultures. People admire these birds for their strength and sharp vision. In stories and traditions, they sometimes stand for power, clear sight, or freedom. Many cultures respect these birds and have included them in art, symbols, and festivals.