Raptors are hypercarnivorous birds that actively hunt and feed on vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and smaller birds. The term “raptor” comes from the Latin word “rapio,” meaning “to seize.”
The group includes:
Eagles are large and powerful, with broad wings and massive feet, while booted eagles have feathered legs and build large stick nests. Falcons and kestrels are medium-sized with long, pointed wings and are known for their speed. Caracaras, a subgroup of Falcons found in the New World, exhibit broad wings and generalist feeding habits.
True hawks belong to the genus Accipiter and are woodland hunters using sudden dashes from concealed perches. Buzzards are medium to large raptors, often called “hawks” in North America, while harriers are slender birds with long tails, hunting small vertebrates over grasslands.
Kites have long wings and spend much time soaring, primarily feeding on insects and carrion. Ospreys are specialized fish catchers that build large stick nests.
Owls are nocturnal birds known for silent flight and keen hearing. The secretarybird, endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, has long legs and a large body.
Vultures are scavengers from two families: Old World vultures (Accipitridae) in the Eastern Hemisphere and New World vultures (Cathartidae) in the Western Hemisphere, often characterized by heads that lack feathers.
