What Birds Are Raptors: A Complete Guide to Birds of Prey

Raptors, also known as birds of prey, are a group of avian predators characterized by sharp talons, hooked beaks, and exceptional eyesight. So, what birds are raptors? This category includes eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and ospreys—species specifically adapted for hunting and consuming other animals. Understanding what birds are raptors involves recognizing both their physical adaptations and ecological roles. These birds dominate skies across every continent except Antarctica and play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems by controlling populations of rodents, insects, and other prey species.

Defining Characteristics of Raptors

Not all predatory birds fall under the scientific classification of raptors, but certain key features distinguish true birds of prey. The term raptor comes from the Latin word raptare, meaning 'to seize or carry off,' which perfectly describes their hunting behavior. To qualify as a raptor, a bird must possess several specialized anatomical and behavioral traits:

• Hooked Beak: Used for tearing flesh; strong and sharply curved at the tip.
• Powerful Talons: Sharp, curved claws on strong feet designed to grasp, kill, and carry prey.
• Exceptional Vision: Eyesight up to eight times sharper than humans, allowing detection of small movements from great distances.
• Carnivorous Diet: All raptors feed primarily on live animals or carrion, depending on the species.
• Aerial Hunting Ability: Most rely on flight to locate and capture prey, using speed, stealth, or surprise.

These traits make raptors apex predators in many environments. However, it's important to note that not all birds with keen vision or predatory habits are classified as raptors. For example, shrikes—sometimes called 'butcher birds'—hunt insects and small vertebrates but lack the robust talons typical of true raptors.

Major Groups of Raptors

Raptors are divided into two main taxonomic groups based on evolutionary lineage and physical characteristics: diurnal (day-active) and nocturnal (night-active) raptors.

Diurnal Raptors

These birds hunt during daylight hours and belong primarily to the order Accipitriformes and Falconiformes.

• Eagles: Among the largest and most powerful raptors, including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). They often build massive nests in high cliffs or tall trees.
• Hawks: Medium-sized raptors like the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Buteos soar widely over open areas, while accipiters maneuver through forests.
• Falcons: Sleek, fast fliers such as the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), known as the fastest animal on Earth, capable of diving over 240 mph during a stoop.
• Osprey: A fish-eating specialist found near lakes and coastlines worldwide. Unlike other raptors, ospreys have reversible outer toes and spiny footpads to grip slippery prey.
• Vultures (New World): Though primarily scavengers, turkey vultures and black vultures are considered raptors due to their classification within Accipitriformes. They use keen eyesight and smell to locate carrion.

Nocturnal Raptors

Owls represent the primary group of night-hunting raptors and belong to the order Strigiformes.

• Horned Owls: Great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) are widespread and formidable hunters, preying on rabbits, skunks, and even other raptors.
• Screech Owls: Small, camouflaged owls active in woodlands and suburban areas.
• Barn Owls: Recognizable by their heart-shaped facial disc, they hunt rodents in open fields and farmlands.
• Snowy Owls: Arctic breeders that migrate south during winter, often seen in airports and coastal dunes.

While owls differ from diurnal raptors in flight style and sensory adaptations (e.g., asymmetrical ears for pinpointing sounds), they share core predatory traits and are universally recognized as raptors.

Common Misconceptions About What Birds Are Raptors

Several myths persist about raptor identification. One common confusion is whether all large birds are raptors. Cranes, herons, and storks may appear similar in silhouette but lack hooked beaks and predatory behaviors. Another misconception is that vultures aren't raptors because they eat dead animals. However, New World vultures are taxonomically grouped with hawks and eagles, despite relying on scavenging rather than active hunting.

Additionally, some people assume that any bird that dives or swoops is a raptor. Kingfishers and gulls may plunge for fish, but they do not possess the full suite of raptorial adaptations. True raptors combine morphology, diet, and behavior in ways that set them apart.

Raptors Across Cultures and Symbolism

Beyond biology, raptors hold deep symbolic meaning in human cultures. Eagles symbolize strength, freedom, and divine authority—most notably in the United States, where the bald eagle is the national bird. In ancient Rome, the eagle represented Jupiter and military power. Among Indigenous peoples of North America, eagles are sacred, and their feathers are used in ceremonies.

Falcons have long been associated with nobility and precision. Falconry, the practice of training raptors to hunt, dates back over 4,000 years and was once reserved for royalty. Today, falconry remains a respected tradition in parts of the Middle East and Europe.

Owls, meanwhile, evoke wisdom in Western traditions (e.g., Athena’s owl in Greek mythology), though in some cultures they are seen as omens of death or misfortune. Their silent flight and nocturnal presence contribute to their mysterious reputation.

Where to See Raptors: Tips for Birdwatchers

Observing raptors in the wild can be a thrilling experience. Here are practical tips for identifying and locating different types of raptors:

• Visit Migration Hotspots: Places like Hawk Mountain (Pennsylvania), Cape May (New Jersey), and the Bosque del Apache (New Mexico) attract thousands of migrating raptors each year, especially during spring and fall.
• Scan Open Areas: Look for soaring hawks and eagles over fields, ridgelines, and wetlands. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe wing shape and flight patterns.
• Listen at Dusk: Owls become vocal after sunset. Learn calls of local species—great horned owls say 'who's awake,' while barred owls sound like 'who cooks for you?'
• Check Roadside Perches: Red-tailed hawks and American kestrels often sit on utility poles along highways, scanning for rodents.
• Join Local Audubon Chapters: Many organizations host guided raptor watches and educational programs.

When photographing or observing raptors, maintain a respectful distance. Disturbing nesting birds is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and can lead to abandonment of eggs or young.

Conservation Status and Threats to Raptors

Many raptor species face threats from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and collisions with wind turbines or vehicles. The banning of DDT in the 1970s allowed bald eagle and peregrine falcon populations to recover dramatically, showing the impact of targeted conservation efforts.

Today, lead poisoning from ingesting bullet fragments in carcasses is a major concern for scavenging raptors like eagles and condors. Conservationists advocate for non-lead ammunition to reduce this risk. Additionally, climate change affects migration timing and prey availability, potentially disrupting breeding cycles.

Organizations such as the Raptor Research Foundation, HawkWatch International, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology monitor raptor populations and promote public education. Citizen science projects like eBird allow birders to contribute valuable data on sightings and distribution trends.

Raptor Type	Example Species	Hunting Style	Habitat
Eagle	Bald Eagle	Soars, snatches fish mid-flight	Lakes, rivers, coasts
Hawk (Buteo)	Red-tailed Hawk	Perch-and-pounce, soars	Open country, urban edges
Hawk (Accipiter)	Cooper’s Hawk	Forest ambush predator	Woodlands, suburbs
Falcon	Peregrine Falcon	High-speed aerial dive (stoop)	Cliffs, skyscrapers, coastlines
Owl	Great Horned Owl	Nocturnal ambush hunter	Forests, deserts, cities
Vulture	Turkey Vulture	Locates carrion via sight/smell	Open land, roadsides
Osprey	Osprey	Dives feet-first for fish	Near water bodies globally

How to Tell If a Bird Is a Raptor: Field Identification Tips

Identifying raptors in the field can be challenging due to distance, lighting, and plumage variation. Here are key clues:

• Wing Shape: Buteos have broad, rounded wings ideal for soaring. Falcons have long, pointed wings for speed. Accipiters show short, rounded wings and long tails for agility.
• Flight Pattern: Watch for flap-flap-glide motion (common in buteos) versus rapid wingbeats (falcons).
• Head Profile: Falcons have flat crowns and dark 'helmeted' faces. Hawks often have more rounded heads.
• Size Comparison: When possible, compare against known birds like crows or gulls.
• Vocalizations: Calls vary widely—red-tailed hawks scream 'keeeer,' while kestrels chatter rapidly.

Use field guides such as Sibley’s Guide to Birds or apps like Merlin Bird ID to help confirm sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raptors

Are owls considered raptors?

Yes, owls are classified as raptors due to their predatory nature, sharp talons, and hooked beaks, despite being nocturnal.

Is a crow a raptor?

No, crows are passerines (perching birds) and lack the physical traits of raptors, though they may scavenge or eat small animals.

Can raptors be kept as pets?

In most countries, including the U.S., private ownership of native raptors is illegal without special permits, typically granted only for education or rehabilitation.

Do all raptors migrate?

No, migration depends on species and food availability. Some red-tailed hawks stay year-round in mild climates, while peregrine falcons may travel thousands of miles.

What should I do if I find an injured raptor?

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to handle the bird yourself—it could be dangerous for both you and the animal.

Understanding what birds are raptors goes beyond simple classification. It connects biology, behavior, ecology, and culture into a rich tapestry of knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious observer, learning to identify and appreciate these magnificent predators enhances our relationship with the natural world. By protecting their habitats and supporting conservation, we ensure that future generations can witness the awe-inspiring flight of a raptor against the open sky.