Accipitriformes
Hawks, eagles, and kites. Soaring high in the skies using warm thermals to conserve energy
Accipitriformes include diurnal (active during the day) birds of prey like hawks, eagles, ospreys, and vultures. They have excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot their prey high up in the air. They also have strong, curved beaks and flesh-tearing, sharp talons.
They are accomplished flyers with long wings, often using thermals to glide around, looking for prey. Almost all these species are pure carnivores.
These birds usually live in male-female pairs and are found in all habitats except Antarctica.
While certain species in this order thrive, many others, like the Indian vulture, are critically endangered.
Families in this order
Feed on a range of prey, with some feeding on carrion, but all have a nasty hooked bill
These gawky hawks like to socialize with each other and humans, habitually chilling around water bodies
A long-legged bird with a stunning black feather crest on its back head
