What Birds Are Birds of Prey: A Complete Guide

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are predatory bird species that hunt and feed on other animals using sharp talons, hooked beaks, and exceptional vision. So, what birds are birds of prey? This group includes eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, ospreys, and harriers—species uniquely adapted for life at the top of the food chain. These birds share key biological and behavioral traits that distinguish them from non-raptorial species, such as powerful flight capabilities, keen eyesight often eight times stronger than humans, and specialized hunting techniques. Understanding what birds are considered birds of prey helps both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists identify, protect, and appreciate these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

Defining Characteristics of Birds of Prey

All birds of prey possess a set of defining anatomical and sensory adaptations that enable them to capture live prey. The most notable features include:

• Hooked Beaks: Designed for tearing flesh, these strong, curved beaks allow raptors to efficiently consume their catch.
• Sharp Talons: Powerful feet with curved claws are used to grasp, kill, and carry prey. Eagles and hawks, for example, can exert immense pressure when striking.
\li>Exceptional Vision: Raptors have large eyes positioned toward the front of their heads, giving them binocular vision and depth perception critical for targeting fast-moving prey from great distances.
• Strong Flight Muscles: Built for speed, agility, or soaring endurance depending on the species, raptors use flight as a primary tool in hunting and territory patrol.

While not all raptors look alike, these shared traits unite them under the ecological category of predatory birds. It's important to note that being a bird of prey is defined by behavior and physiology—not taxonomy. Thus, birds of prey are spread across several taxonomic orders.

Taxonomic Groups of Birds of Prey

Raptors do not form a single evolutionary lineage but instead belong to multiple avian orders. The main groups include:

Order	Family	Examples	Hunting Style
Falconiformes	Falconidae	Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Merlin	Aerial pursuit at high speeds
Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Osprey	Perch-and-pounce, soaring scans
Strigiformes	Strigidae & Tytonidae	Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl	Nocturnal ambush from perches
Cathartiformes	Cathartidae	Turkey Vulture, California Condor	Scavenging (opportunistic)
Pandionidae (monotypic)	Pandionidae	Osprey	Fishing via plunge-diving

Each order has evolved distinct strategies for survival. Falcons rely on speed, reaching over 240 mph in dives; hawks excel in forest maneuverability; owls dominate night skies with silent flight; and vultures play a crucial scavenging role despite lacking active predation skills.

Common Species of Birds of Prey and Their Habitats

To better understand what birds are birds of prey, let’s explore some widely recognized species and where they thrive:

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Found primarily near large bodies of open water across North America, the bald eagle is an apex predator and national symbol of the United States. Though capable hunters, they also scavenge and steal food from other animals. They build massive nests in tall trees or cliffs, often returning to the same site year after year.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Known as the fastest animal on Earth, the peregrine falcon inhabits every continent except Antarctica. Urban environments now host many nesting pairs, utilizing skyscrapers as artificial cliffs. Conservation efforts helped recover populations after DDT-related declines in the mid-20th century.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

This nocturnal hunter ranges throughout the Americas and adapts to diverse ecosystems—from deserts to forests to city parks. With ear tufts and deep hooting calls, it preys on rabbits, rodents, and even skunks and other raptors.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

One of the most commonly seen raptors in North America, this hawk soars over highways and fields, scanning for small mammals. Its distinctive red tail and raspy scream make it easily identifiable—even its call is frequently used in movies to represent any hawk or eagle.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Unique among raptors for its almost exclusive diet of fish, the osprey is found near lakes, rivers, and coastlines worldwide. It plunges feet-first into water to catch prey, aided by reversible outer toes and spiny footpads for gripping slippery fish.

Symbology and Cultural Significance of Raptors

Beyond biology, birds of prey hold profound symbolic meaning across cultures. In ancient Egypt, the falcon-headed god Horus represented divine kingship and protection. Native American tribes view eagles as spiritual messengers, with feathers used in ceremonies. In Roman times, the eagle was the emblem of Jupiter and carried standards into battle.

In modern contexts, raptors symbolize freedom, strength, and precision. Sports teams adopt names like 'Eagles' and 'Falcons,' while military units use imagery of hawks and owls to convey vigilance and power. However, cultural reverence must be balanced with ethical treatment—many indigenous traditions restrict the possession of raptor feathers without proper authorization.

How to Identify Birds of Prey in the Wild

Observing raptors requires patience, knowledge, and the right tools. Here are practical tips for identifying what birds are birds of prey during outdoor excursions:

1. Use Binoculars or Spotting Scopes: Most raptors are observed at a distance. High-quality optics help detect field marks such as wing shape, tail patterns, and flight style.
2. Learn Silhouettes: In flight, hawks and falcons differ significantly—broad wings with 'fingers' suggest a Buteo hawk, while long, pointed wings indicate a falcon.
3. Note Behavior: Is the bird hovering? That’s likely a kestrel. Soaring in wide circles? Possibly a vulture or broad-winged hawk. Diving at extreme speed? Almost certainly a peregrine.
4. Listen for Calls: Owls hoot; red-tailed hawks scream; falcons emit sharp “kak-kak” sounds. Audio guides and apps can assist identification.
5. Check Habitat: Water-associated raptors like ospreys and bald eagles won’t be found far from rivers or coasts, whereas accipiters like Cooper’s hawks prefer dense woodlands.

Participating in local birdwatching groups or attending guided hawk watches—especially during migration seasons—can greatly enhance your ability to recognize different species.

Conservation Status and Threats Facing Raptors

Despite legal protections like the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, many birds of prey face serious threats:

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urban sprawl, and wetland drainage reduce nesting and foraging areas.
• Pesticides: Chemicals like DDT historically caused eggshell thinning. Today, rodenticides and neonicotinoids still pose risks through bioaccumulation.
• Collisions: Wind turbines, power lines, and vehicles contribute to raptor mortality.
• Illegal Shooting: Despite laws, persecution continues in rural areas due to misconceptions about livestock predation.

Organizations such as the Raptor Research Foundation and HawkWatch International monitor populations and advocate for policy changes. Citizen science projects like eBird allow amateur observers to contribute valuable data.

Myths and Misconceptions About Birds of Prey

Several myths persist about raptors, often fueled by folklore or media portrayals:

• "Owls are wise and magical." While intelligent, owls aren’t inherently wiser than other birds. Their large eyes and quiet demeanor contribute to mystical associations.
• "All raptors attack humans or pets." Attacks are extremely rare and usually occur only when nests are threatened. Most raptors cannot lift animals heavier than a few pounds.
• "Vultures are aggressive predators." In reality, New World vultures lack the physical traits of true predators and primarily consume carrion. Their bald heads are adapted for hygiene while feeding inside carcasses.
• "Birds of prey are all large." The American kestrel, a type of falcon, weighs only 3–5 ounces—smaller than a mourning dove.

Understanding these distinctions improves public perception and supports conservation.

Where and When to See Birds of Prey

Timing and location are key for optimal viewing. Some of the best places to observe raptors include:

• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Pennsylvania): One of the first protected sites for raptors, ideal during fall migration (September–November).
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (New York): Hosts bald eagles, northern harriers, and short-eared owls in winter.
• Grand Canyon (Arizona): Home to breeding California condors, visible on rim trails.
• Everglades National Park (Florida): Offers sightings of snail kites, ospreys, and crested caracaras.

Morning hours, especially just after sunrise, are typically best for observation, as many raptors begin hunting early. Spring and fall migrations provide opportunities to witness thousands of hawks, falcons, and eagles moving along flyways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birds of Prey

Are owls birds of prey?

Yes, owls are birds of prey. They hunt live animals at night using acute hearing and silent flight, making them highly effective nocturnal raptors.

Is a crow a bird of prey?

No, crows are not birds of prey. Although omnivorous and sometimes scavenging, they lack the physical adaptations like sharp talons and hooked beaks necessary for capturing live prey like raptors do.

Can birds of prey be kept as pets?

In most countries, including the U.S., private ownership of native raptors is illegal without special permits, typically reserved for educational or rehabilitation purposes.

Do all birds of prey eat meat?

Yes, all birds of prey are carnivorous by nature. Their diets vary—from insects and rodents to fish and larger mammals—but they all rely on animal tissue for sustenance.

How can I help protect birds of prey?

You can support raptor conservation by avoiding pesticides, reporting injured birds to licensed rehabilitators, participating in citizen science, and donating to wildlife organizations focused on raptor research and habitat preservation.