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Birds of prey

In the traditional or morphological sense, "birds of prey" usually refers to birds that catch or tear prey with sharp claws and beaks, such as eagles, falcons, kites, vultures, owls, etc. However, from the perspective of modern phylogenetics, these birds of prey are scattered in different orders and are not a monophyletic group. Birds of prey are one of the six major ecological groups of birds, covering all species of Falconiformes and Strigiformes in the traditional classification system of birds. Birds of prey include secondary ecological groups such as eagles, eagles, buzzards, kites, vultures, kites, ospreys, falcons, owls, and owls, all of which are predatory birds. In the ecosystem, the number of raptors is less than that of other groups, but they are at the top of the food chain and play a very important role. Another nickname is "fighter".

I. Introduction to Raptors

1. General Characteristics

  • Predatory Adaptations: Raptors typically have strong, hooked beaks and sharp talons for seizing and tearing prey.

  • Acute Vision: Most raptors possess exceptionally keen eyesight, allowing them to spot potential prey from great distances or high altitudes.

  • Flight Abilities: Many exhibit wide or pointed wings for soaring or high-speed dives; others have shorter, broad wings and long tails for agile flight in forested areas.

  • Top Predators: As apex or near-apex predators, they help control populations of small to medium-sized vertebrates (rodents, reptiles, amphibians, other birds, etc.) in their ecosystems.

2. Classification and the Non-monophyletic Issue

  • Traditional Grouping: “Birds of prey” often include “diurnal raptors” (eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, etc.) and “nocturnal raptors” (owls).

  • Modern Systematics: Molecular data reveal that raptors are scattered across different lineages:

    • Many hawks, eagles, Old World vultures, etc. are grouped into Accipitriformes.

    • Falcons belong to Falconiformes, which is surprisingly closer to parrots (Psittaciformes) and songbirds (Passeriformes) than to hawks or eagles.

    • Owls form their own order, Strigiformes, separate from hawks and falcons.

3. Evolution and Global Spread

  • Raptors, as descendants of early Cenozoic birds, diversified especially in the Eocene and Oligocene epochs.

  • They are found worldwide in virtually every habitat—tropical rainforests, deserts, polar regions, alpine zones—each adapted to local ecological niches.

4. Ecological Role and Human Interactions

  • As apex predators or scavengers, raptors have a major influence on regulating populations of other animals.

  • Human cultures often admire and utilize raptors (e.g., falconry, ecotourism). However, conflicts arise with livestock farming, and threats such as habitat loss and poisoning have caused declines in some raptor populations.


II. Major Groups and Classification of Raptors

Traditionally, raptors are divided into:

  • Diurnal Raptors: Historically included in Falconiformes (falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures, etc.), but modern taxonomy splits them into separate orders such as Falconiformes and Accipitriformes.

  • Nocturnal Raptors: Owls (order Strigiformes).

Below is a simplified breakdown referencing modern classifications.

(A) Diurnal Raptors

1. Order Falconiformes

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Falconidae (Falcons, Caracaras)Falco, Caracara, etc.Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)Once grouped with hawks/eagles but now recognized as a separate lineage, surprisingly closer to parrots/songbirds. Falcons specialize in high-speed dives or agile flight; caracaras often forage on the ground or scavenge.

Note: Modern phylogenetics places Falconidae (the only extant family in Falconiformes) closer to parrots and passerines than to hawks and eagles.

2. Order Accipitriformes

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, Old World Vultures, Kites, Harriers)Accipiter (Goshawks, Sparrowhawks), Buteo (Buzzards/Hawks), Aquila (True Eagles), Haliaeetus (Sea Eagles), etc.Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), etc.The largest family of diurnal raptors worldwide. Includes a wide range of sizes and feeding habits, from small hawks to large eagles and Old World vultures.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)Cathartes (Turkey Vultures), Coragyps (Black Vulture), Gymnogyps (California Condor), etc.Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)Native to the Americas. They have unfeathered heads to reduce contamination while feeding on carrion. Taxonomic placement varies; commonly aligned with Accipitriformes but sometimes treated as a distinct lineage.
Pandionidae (Osprey)* sometimes within AccipitridaePandion (Osprey)Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)A fish specialist found near freshwater and coastal areas worldwide. Feet are adapted to gripping slippery fish.
Sagittariidae (Secretarybird)* sometimes within AccipitridaeSagittarius (Secretarybird)Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)Endemic to Africa. Long-legged terrestrial raptor that hunts snakes on foot; distinctive crest on its head.

Note: The exact placement of New World vultures (Cathartidae) is still debated. Some studies suggest they might be nearer to storks/herons, but most modern classifications group them with Accipitriformes.

3. Other Diurnal Raptor Notes

  • Old World Vultures (e.g., Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vulture) are part of Accipitridae, unlike the New World vultures in Cathartidae.

  • The osprey family (Pandionidae) is often recognized as a separate family within Accipitriformes, though historically sometimes lumped into hawks (Accipitridae).

(B) Nocturnal Raptors (Order Strigiformes)

FamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
Tytonidae (Barn Owls)Tyto (Barn Owl genus)Barn Owl (Tyto alba)Heart-shaped facial disk, widely distributed worldwide. Asymmetric ear openings help pinpoint prey by sound.
Strigidae (Typical Owls)Bubo (Eagle Owls), Strix (Wood Owls), Athene (Little Owls), Asio (Eared Owls), etc.Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), etc.Nocturnal raptors with large forward-facing eyes and silent flight. Found in diverse habitats across the globe (except Antarctica).

Note: Owls share many predatory traits (talons, hooked beaks, specialized senses) but belong to a separate order (Strigiformes), distantly related to hawks/falcons.


III. Evolutionary Highlights

  1. Convergent Traits and Diversification

    • Multiple bird lineages independently evolved raptor-like features: strong talons, hooked beaks, and enhanced vision or hearing.

    • Genetic data confirm falcons (Falconidae) are more closely allied with parrots and passerines, while hawks and eagles (Accipitridae) form a different branch. Owls, although also “raptorial,” belong to yet another branch.

  2. Geographic Adaptation

    • Forest dwellers (e.g., Accipiter hawks, small falcons).

    • Open-country or desert species (e.g., buzzards, caracaras).

    • Mountain regions (Golden Eagle).

    • Polar regions (Snowy Owl).

    • Raptors occupy diverse habitats:

    • Different selective pressures have yielded wide variation in body size, wing shape, and hunting styles.

  3. Fossil Record

    • Raptors have been widespread since at least the Miocene, with some ancient raptor-like families appearing in the Oligocene. Fossil discoveries hint at once-abundant giant eagles or vultures in various regions.


IV. Summary

  1. Multiple Origins and Ecological Significance

    • “Raptors” do not represent a single evolutionary branch but rather an ecological group across different orders (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, Strigiformes).

    • They generally serve as apex predators or scavengers, crucial for regulating populations of prey and cleaning carrion.

  2. Conservation Status and Challenges

    • Many raptor populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticides (e.g., the famous DDT impact), poaching, and conflicts with farmers.

    • Conservation programs (e.g., reintroducing the California Condor, protecting Bald Eagles) have successfully bolstered some species, though others remain at risk.

  3. Cultural Importance

    • Raptors often symbolize power, freedom, or bravery—appearing in flags, crests, and mythologies around the world.

    • Falconry (the art of hunting with trained birds of prey) has been practiced for centuries and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in some regions.


Summary Table

OrderFamilyRepresentative GeneraExample SpeciesKey Distribution & Traits
FalconiformesFalconidae (Falcons)Falco, Caracara, etc.Peregrine Falcon, Common Kestrel, Crested CaracaraHigh-speed or agile hunters; some (caracaras) scavenge. Closer genetically to parrots and songbirds than hawks.
AccipitriformesAccipitridae (Hawks/Eagles/Kites/Old World Vultures)Accipiter, Buteo, Aquila, HaliaeetusGoshawks, Buzzards, Eagles, Old World VulturesMost diverse raptor family globally, includes a wide size and dietary range.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)Cathartes, Coragyps, GymnogypsTurkey Vulture, Black Vulture, California CondorAmericas only; specialized in scavenging carrion. Taxonomic position debated, often placed in Accipitriformes.

Pandionidae (Osprey)PandionOspreyWorldwide distribution near water; unique fish-hunting adaptations.

Sagittariidae (Secretarybird)SagittariusSecretarybirdAfrican grassland raptor hunting snakes on foot; distinctive crest.
StrigiformesStrigidae (Typical Owls)Bubo, Strix, Athene, Asio, etc.Eagle Owls, Wood Owls, Scops Owls, etc.Nocturnal raptors with powerful talons and silent flight, found globally.

Tytonidae (Barn Owls)TytoBarn Owl (Tyto alba)Heart-shaped facial disc, widespread distribution, specialized hearing for locating prey.

Through the above introduction and classification list, you can have a deeper understanding of the diverse distribution and evolution of raptors in the modern bird system, and understand their important position in the ecosystem and human culture. If you need to learn more about the morphological characteristics and conservation status of each species, you can refer to professional ornithological works, conservation agency reports, and the latest molecular systematic research results. I hope this information can provide you with a detailed classification of raptors.

Waterfowl Wading birds Climbing birds Landfowl Bird of prey Songbird
Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle,Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Features:It is a species endemic to North America, the national bird of the United States

Bald eagles mainly live near coasts, lakes and rivers. They feed on large fish such as salmon and trout, water birds such as ducks and gulls, and small mammals living near water. Bald eagles are experts at flying. They can fly at speeds of 56 to 70 km/h while gliding and flapping...

Falco peregrinus

Falco peregrinus

Falco peregrinus,Peregrine Falcon,Rosewood eagle, pigeon tiger, duck tiger, blue swallow

Features:It has a ferocious temperament and is the fastest diving bird, with a maximum speed of over 300 kilometers per hour.

Peregrine falcon is called Peregrine Falcon in foreign language, and it has 18 subspecies. The three types of peregrine falcons distributed in China are mainly the southern subspecies of peregrine falcons, the eastern subspecies of peregrine falcons (also known as the nominate subspecies), and the c...

Phodilus badius

Phodilus badius

Phodilus badius,Oriental Bay-owl

Features:A medium-sized rufous owl.

Oriental Bay-owl, also known as Oriental Bay-owl, has a heart-shaped face and erect ears that are very similar to those of a barn owl. There are four subspecies.Chestnut owls often move alone or in pairs, and sometimes in small groups of 2-3. It is a nocturnal bird, roosting during the day on tree t...

Tyto longimembris

Tyto longimembris

Tyto longimembris,Eastern Grass-owl, Monkey-faced owl, Monkey eagle, White-breasted grass owl

Features:The face is heart-shaped, similar to a barn owl, but the face and chest are very dark yellow, and the upper body is dark brown.

The Eastern Grass-owl is a medium-sized bird of prey with 6 subspecies.The Grass-owl lives in the grass and shrubs at the foot of the mountain and feeds on rodents, frogs, snakes, bird eggs, etc. Its call is loud and piercing. During the day, the grass owl hides in the woods to recharge its batterie...

Tyto alba

Tyto alba

Tyto alba,Barn Owl,Monkey-faced eagle, Monkey-headed eagle

Features:A famous mouse catcher

Barn Owl is a medium-sized bird with 32 subspecies.The barn owl often moves alone. It usually lives in trees or caves during the day, and only comes out at dusk and night. Sometimes it appears in broken houses, cemeteries or other ruins. It flies fast and powerfully without making any sound, and app...

Asio flammeus

Asio flammeus

Asio flammeus,Short-eared Owl,Night owl, owl, field cat king, short-eared owl, small-eared wood rabbit

Features:It is one of the most widespread owl species.

Short-eared Owl, also known as Short-eared Owl in English, has 10 subspecies.Short-eared owls mainly feed on rodents, but also eat small birds, lizards and insects, and occasionally eat plant fruits and seeds.Short-eared owls are active and hunt at dusk and at night, but they are also active during...

Asio otus

Asio otus

Asio otus,Long-eared Owl,Northern Long-eared Owl,Strix otus Linnaeus, 1758,Long-eared wooden rabbit, with headset Elvis, tiger eagle, Biaomu rabbit, night owl, owl

Features:The ear feathers are long and located on both sides of the head, standing upright like ears.

The long-eared owl is called Long-eared Owl in foreign language, and there are 4 subspecies.The long-eared owl mainly feeds on rodents such as mice, and also eats small birds, mammals and insects. Such as finches, warblers, bats, beetles, beetles, locusts, mole crickets, etc.Long-eared owls are noct...

Ninox japonica

Ninox japonica

Ninox japonica,Northern Boobook,Northern Hawk Owl

Features:The eyes are large, dark, and eagle-like, hence the name.

The Japanese hawk owl, also known as the Northern Boobook, is a medium-sized owl with three subspecies.The Japanese eagle owl was once a subspecies of the eagle owl (Ninox scutulata) - "Ninox scutulata japonica". In 2014, it was classified as an independent species "Ninox japonica&quo...

Ninox scutulata

Ninox scutulata

Ninox scutulata,Brown Hawk-owl,Brown Hawk-Owl

Features:It is named after its eagle-like appearance, which is also conducive to its activities during the day.

The Brown Hawk-owl is a medium-sized bird of prey with 11 subspecies.Hawk-owls mostly roost in the tree canopy during the day, active at dusk and at night, and sometimes during the day. Except for the breeding season, they mostly move alone in other seasons. In addition, they mostly move in family g...

Aegolius funereus

Aegolius funereus

Aegolius funereus,Tengmalm's owl,Little Owl

Features:The sound is like a flute, changing constantly, and sounds eerie and scary.

The foreign name of the ghost owl is Tengmalm's owl, and there are 6 subspecies.Ghost owls mostly move alone and do not migrate, but they often wander into forests at low altitudes in autumn and winter, and also like to move around near people. Because its call is changeable, like a flute, it is...

Athene brama

Athene brama

Athene brama,Spotted Owlet

Features:The lower body is gray, without stripes, and has horizontal stripes on both flanks, hence the name, but the middle of the abdomen is pure white, without stripes.

Spotted Owlet, also known as Spotted Owlet, has 5 subspecies.Spotted Owlet often moves alone or in pairs, roosting in tree holes or branches during the day, and can roost in pairs or small groups. It is mainly active at night. Flying quickly, the flight is very choppy, including some rapid wing spre...

Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769)

Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769)

Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769),little owl,Little Owl, Owl, Owl, Owl Owl

Features:The underside is brownish white with brown vertical stripes

The Little Owl with Vertical Stripes is called Little Owl in English. There are 12 (or 14) subspecies, of which 4 are distributed in China.The Little Owl with Vertical Stripes is a common resident bird, widely distributed in most areas of northern and western China, up to 4,600 meters above sea leve...

Glaucidium cuculoides

Glaucidium cuculoides

Glaucidium cuculoides,Asian Barred Owlet,Little Owl, King Cat Bird, Fox Training, Wandering

Features:There is a prominent white spot on the throat, which can produce a double whistle sound like a dog's bark.

Asian Barred Owlet is a small owl with 8 subspecies.Asian Barred Owlet is a resident bird, mostly alone or in pairs. Most of them are active and foraging during the day. They can catch small birds and large insects in the air like eagles, and are also active at night. They mainly feed on various ins...

Glaucidium brodiei

Glaucidium brodiei

Glaucidium brodiei,Collared Owlet,Little Owl

Features:There is an obvious light yellow collar spot on the back of the neck, and a black spot on each side.

Collared Owlet, also known as Collared Owlet, has 4 subspecies.Collared Owlet is a solitary species except during the breeding season. It is active mainly during the day, and can also fly and forage freely in the sun at noon. When flying, it often flaps its wings sharply to make a flapping flight, a...

Glaucidium passerinum

Glaucidium passerinum

Glaucidium passerinum, Eurasian Pygmy Owl

Features:Small in size, but fierce in temperament

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is a small bird with two subspecies.The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is mostly nocturnal, hiding deep in the forest during the day and difficult to see, but sometimes it is active and foraging during the day. When perching, it often stands on a high branch to look out, and keeps curling...

Surnia ulula

Surnia ulula

Surnia ulula,Northernhawkowl,Dogchin-Ugel, Eagle Owl, Owl

Features:The overall feather color looks quite eye-catching, and is different from other nocturnal owls in both body shape and feather color.

The Northern hawk owl is a medium-sized bird with three subspecies.The Northern hawk owl can move and forage during the day, especially in the early morning and evening. The call of "hu, hu" is relatively monotonous, but very pleasant to the ear. It flies quickly, sometimes flapping its wi...

Strix nebulosa

Strix nebulosa

Strix nebulosa,Great Grey Owl

Features:The head is large, without ear tufts, and the face is prominent, round, light gray, and covered with concentric dark rings and crescent-shaped white spots.

Great Grey Owl is a large owl with two subspecies.Except during the breeding season, the Great Grey Owl often moves alone, flies quickly and silently, and often rests on the top of tall trees, waiting and observing prey. It is active and hunts at night, and sometimes during the day and dusk. It main...

Strix davidi

Strix davidi

Strix davidi,Sichuan wood owl,Hum, cat-bird, owl

Features:Very similar to the exotic long-tailed forest owl

Sichuan wood owl, also known as Sichuan wood owl in English, is a large gray-brown owl with no subspecies.The Sichuan Forest Owl is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Long-tailed Forest Owl, but due to long-term geographical isolation from other Long-tailed Forest Owl subspecies, more and more...

Strix uralensis

Strix uralensis

Strix uralensis,Brown Wood-owl

Features:The tail feathers are longer, slightly rounded, with prominent horizontal spots and white end spots.

Brown Wood-owl, also known as Brown Wood-owl, is a medium-to-large nocturnal bird of prey with 11 subspecies.Brown Wood-owl is usually active alone except in pairs during the breeding season. During the day, they mostly live in the deep forest, standing upright on thick horizontal branches close to...

Strix aluco

Strix aluco

Strix aluco,Tawny Owl

Features:The calls of male birds reflect their health and energy

Tawny Owl, also known as Tawny Owl, is a medium-sized owl with 11 subspecies.Tawny Owls often move in pairs or alone. It is nocturnal, hiding in dense forests during the day, perching motionlessly and upright on thick branches close to tree trunks with dense branches and leaves. It only comes out to...

Strix leptogrammica

Strix leptogrammica

Strix leptogrammica,Brown Wood-owl,Brown Wood Owl

Features:The head is round, without ear tufts, and the facial disk is prominent, brown or brown-white.

Brown Wood-owl, also known as Brown Wood-owl in English, is a medium-sized bird of prey with 15 subspecies.The Brown Wood Owl is a nocturnal owl that often moves in pairs or alone. It hides in dense forests during the day, perching motionlessly and upright on thick branches close to tree trunks with...