Birds of Prey | Raptors

Birds of Prey | Raptors

Description
Description

Birds of Prey, or Raptors, are carnivorous birds distinguished by keen vision, strong talons, and hooked beaks designed for hunting and consuming prey. This group includes eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls, among others. They inhabit diverse ecosystems globally, from deserts and forests to urban areas. Raptors evolved various hunting adaptations, such as stealthy flight in owls and incredible speeds in falcons. As apex predators, they play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling prey populations. The fossil record reveals that modern raptors have ancient lineage, showing remarkable adaptations over millions of years for their predatory lifestyles.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Birds of Prey possess powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh, and sharp talons for grasping and killing prey. They have large, keen eyes adapted for acute vision, crucial for spotting prey from great distances. Many have broad wings for soaring and diving at high speeds, while others, like owls, have silent flight for stealthy nocturnal hunting. They don't have vocal cords like humans, but they can produce a range of calls for communication. Their senses, particularly vision and hearing, are highly developed, surpassing those of many other animals, making them formidable predators of the sky.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Birds of prey, with their majestic flight and formidable hunting skills, have captivated humans for millennia. They've been revered in ancient mythologies and emblazoned on crests and flags. The art of falconry, using these birds for hunting, is a testament to the deep historical connection. In modern pop culture, they symbolize wisdom and power, gracing screens and pages.

Conservation efforts have become crucial as some species faced near extinction due to human activity. Thanks to protective legislation and rehabilitation programs, many raptor populations are now recovering, showcasing a successful human commitment to preserving these awe-inspiring creatures.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do you attract birds of prey?

Birds of prey are attracted by a habitat that allows them to prey. Birds of prey need live prey, water, and nesting spaces. The habitat can be created by letting grass grow in a field which will allow for rodents in open areas. It is essential to keep an area natural and inviting to attract birds of prey.

What do birds of prey eat?

Birds of prey have a carnivorous diet, but their diet varies based on their species. Typically, the larger the bird of prey the larger their potential target will be, but many may choose smaller meals when small prey is abundant. The most common prey includes large insects, fish, small mammals, small birds, large birds, medium mammals, carrion, reptiles, and amphibians.

Where do birds of prey live?

Birds of prey are able to live on every continent and all habitats of the world. They are found in dense jungles, deserts, seacoasts, plains, as well as tall mountains. Birds of prey are also able to live in woodland, farmland, and even cities.

5.7”-8.1” | 14.5-20.5 cm
19.7”-24” | 50-61 cm (Wingspan)
8.7”-12.2” | 22-31 cm
.18-.36 lb | .08-.165 kg
5-11 years
American Kestrel
20.500
61.000
31.000
0.165
11.00
25500
GUIDE
3D
American Kestrel
25.4”-33.7” | 64.5-85.5 cm
106.3”-130” | 270-330 cm (Wingspan)
39.4”-52” | 100-132 cm
17-33.1 lb | 7.7-15 kg
50-75 years
Andean Condor
85.500
330.000
132.000
15.000
75.00
45450
GUIDE
3D
Andean Condor
16.9”-24.2” | 43-61.5 cm
70”-90” | 178-229 cm (Wingspan)
27.6”-39.4” | 70-100 cm
6.5-14 lb | 2.95-6.35 kg
20-30 years
Bald Eagle
61.500
229.000
100.000
6.350
30.00
272400
GUIDE
3D
Bald Eagle
Barn Owl
201000
12.2”-15.2” | 31-38.5 cm
31.5”-43.3” | 80-110 cm (Wingspan)
12.6”-15.75” | 32-40 cm
.55-1.26 lb | .25-.57 kg
4-15 years
Barn Owl
38.500
110.000
40.000
0.570
15.00
201000
GUIDE
3D
Barn Owl
19.3”-26.2” | 49-66.5 cm
90.6”-112.2” | 230-285 cm (Wingspan)
37”-49.2” | 94-125 cm
8.2-15.7 lb | 3.7-7.1 kg
21-45 years
Bearded Vulture
66.500
285.000
125.000
7.100
45.00
31900
GUIDE
3D
Bearded Vulture
5.3”-8.9” | 13.5-22.5 cm
20”-24” | 51-61 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-11” | 17-28 cm
.29-.57 lb | .13-.26 kg
6-11 years
Burrowing Owl
22.500
61.000
28.000
0.260
11.00
34200
GUIDE
3D
Burrowing Owl
30.3”-37.4” | 77-95 cm
106.3”-126” | 270-320 cm (Wingspan)
42.9”-52.8” | 109-134 cm
18.7-26.5 lb | 8.5-12 kg
30-60 years
California Condor
95.000
320.000
134.000
12.000
60.00
53200
GUIDE
3D
California Condor
11.6”-16.7” | 29.5-42.5 cm
43.3”-51.2” | 110-130 cm (Wingspan)
17.7”-25.6” | 45-65 cm
1.2-2.9 lb | .55-1.3 kg
20-29 years
Common Buzzard
42.500
130.000
65.000
1.300
29.00
21900
GUIDE
3D
Common Buzzard
8.1”-9.4” | 20.5-24 cm
26.8”-31.5” | 68-80 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15.4” | 33-39 cm
.31-.68 lb | .14-.31 kg
15-18 years
Common Kestrel
24.000
80.000
39.000
0.310
18.00
33500
GUIDE
3D
Common Kestrel
4.1”-6.7” | 10.5-17 cm
18.1”-24” | 46-61 cm (Wingspan)
6.3”-9.8” | 16-25 cm
.26-.55 lb | .12-.25 kg
14-21 years
Eastern Screech Owl
17.000
61.000
25.000
0.250
21.00
18100
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Screech Owl
14.2”-19.5” | 36-49.5 cm
52”-59.8” | 132-152 cm (Wingspan)
19.7”-27.2” | 50-69 cm
2.2-4.6 lb | .98-2.08 kg
16-24 years
Ferruginous Hawk
49.500
152.000
69.000
2.080
24.00
10200
GUIDE
3D
Ferruginous Hawk
19.7”-23.6” | 50-60 cm
72.8”-88.6” | 185-225 cm (Wingspan)
29.5”-35.4” | 75-90 cm
6.2-14.8 lb | 2.8-6.7 kg
30-48 years
Golden Eagle
60.000
225.000
90.000
6.700
48.00
235500
GUIDE
3D
Golden Eagle
9.6”-14.2” | 24.5-36 cm
35.8”-59.8” | 91-152 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-25.2” | 43-64 cm
2-5.5 lb | .9-2.5 kg
13-35 years
Great Horned Owl
36.000
152.000
64.000
2.500
35.00
106000
GUIDE
3D
Great Horned Owl
25.8”-33.1” | 65.5-84 cm
90.6”-110.2” | 230-280 cm (Wingspan)
37.4”-48” | 95-122 cm
13.2-33.1 lb | 6-15 kg
35-42 years
Griffon Vulture
84.000
280.000
122.000
15.000
42.00
20700
GUIDE
3D
Griffon Vulture
14.6”-19.3” | 37-49 cm
43.3”-63” | 110-160 cm (Wingspan)
18.9”-25.6” | 48-65 cm
1.8-4.6 lb | .8-2.1 kg
12-25 years
Gyrfalcon
49.000
160.000
65.000
2.100
25.00
17700
GUIDE
3D
Gyrfalcon
21.7”-26.6” | 55-67.5 cm
69.3”-88.2” | 176-224 cm (Wingspan)
34.3”-42.9” | 87-109 cm
8.8-19.8 lb | 4-9 kg
25-35 years
Harpy Eagle
67.500
224.000
109.000
9.000
35.00
293500
GUIDE
3D
Harpy Eagle
11.8”-15.2” | 30-38.5 cm
38.2”-48” | 97-122 cm (Wingspan)
16.1”-20.5” | 41-52 cm
.64-1.39 lb | .29-.63 kg
8-17 years
Hen Harrier
38.500
122.000
52.000
0.630
17.00
13900
GUIDE
3D
Hen Harrier
8.3”-9.1” | 21-23 cm
29.5”-32.7” | 75-83 cm (Wingspan)
13.4”-14.6” | 34-37 cm
.46-.86 lb | .21-.39 kg
7-11 years
Mississippi Kite
23.000
83.000
37.000
0.390
11.00
9450
GUIDE
3D
Mississippi Kite
16.9”-20.1” | 43-51 cm
42.1”-47.2” | 107-120 cm (Wingspan)
19.3”-22.8” | 49-58 cm
2-3.5 lb | .9-1.6 kg
18-30 years
Northern Crested Caracara
51.000
120.000
58.000
1.600
30.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Northern Crested Caracara
9.8”-12.8” | 25-32.5 cm
38.2”-48” | 97-122 cm (Wingspan)
16.1”-20.5” | 41-52 cm
.64-1.65 lb | .29-.75 kg
8-17 years
Northern Harrier
32.500
122.000
52.000
0.750
17.00
15060
GUIDE
3D
Northern Harrier
Osprey
444000
11.4”-16.3” | 29-41.5 cm
50”-70.9” | 127-180 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-24” | 43-61 cm
2.4-4.4 lb | 1.1-2 kg
25-32 years
Osprey
41.500
180.000
61.000
2.000
32.00
444000
GUIDE
3D
Osprey
8.1”-13” | 20.5-33 cm
29.1”-47.2” | 74-120 cm (Wingspan)
14.2”-22.8” | 36-58 cm
.73-3.3 lb | .33-1.5 kg
15-25 years
Peregrine Falcon
33.000
120.000
58.000
1.500
25.00
205000
GUIDE
3D
Peregrine Falcon
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
35.4”-44.5” | 90-113 cm (Wingspan)
15”-19.7” | 38-50 cm
1.1-2.1 lb | .5-.95 kg
15-20 years
Prairie Falcon
27.000
113.000
50.000
0.950
20.00
5970
GUIDE
3D
Prairie Falcon
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
29.5”-35.4” | 75-90 cm (Wingspan)
29.5”-35.4” | 75-90 cm
3.3-6.6 lb | 1.5-3 kg
20-30 years
Red-Legged Seriema
71.000
90.000
90.000
3.000
30.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
Red-Legged Seriema
10”-16.1” | 25.5-41 cm
35.4”-44.9” | 90-114 cm (Wingspan)
15”-24” | 38-61 cm
1.2-1.7 lb | .55-.77 kg
20-25 years
Red-Shouldered Hawk
41.000
114.000
61.000
0.770
25.00
31070
GUIDE
3D
Red-Shouldered Hawk
11.2”-15.9” | 28.5-40.5 cm
43.3”-55.5” | 110-141 cm (Wingspan)
17.7”-25.6” | 45-65 cm
1.5-4.4 lb | .69-2 kg
20-31 years
Red-Tailed Hawk
40.500
141.000
65.000
2.000
31.00
102500
GUIDE
3D
Red-Tailed Hawk
29.5”-35” | 75-89 cm
74.8”-84.6” | 190-215 cm (Wingspan)
43.3”-51.2” | 110-130 cm
5.1-9.9 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
10-19 years
Secretary Bird
89.000
215.000
130.000
4.500
19.00
89500
GUIDE
3D
Secretary Bird
8.7”-10.4” | 22-26.5 cm
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm (Wingspan)
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
.66-1.26 lb | .3-.57 kg
9-14 years
Snail Kite
26.500
120.000
43.000
0.570
14.00
2450
GUIDE
3D
Snail Kite
Snowy Owl
108800
12.4”-16.9” | 31.5-43 cm
51.2”-65.4” | 130-166 cm (Wingspan)
20.5”-28” | 52-71 cm
2.9-6.5 lb | 1.3-2.95 kg
10-28 years
Snowy Owl
43.000
166.000
71.000
2.950
28.00
108800
GUIDE
3D
Snowy Owl
9.6”-12” | 24.5-30.5 cm
31.9”-40.9” | 81-104 cm (Wingspan)
14.6”-18.1” | 37-46 cm
.73-1.6 lb | .33-.72 kg
10-27 years
Tawny Owl
30.500
104.000
46.000
0.720
27.00
43500
GUIDE
3D
Tawny Owl
Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Scale illustration of an average Northern Crested Caracara compared to other bird of prey species

The Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a scavenger that lives in the lowlands of Cuba, northern South America, and most of Central America and Mexico. As a carnivorous scavenger they mostly eat carrion and sometimes fruit. They catch immobile, injured, or incapacitated prey, and prey species include small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, crab, and insects. They have broad wings, long tails, and long legs that help them walk and run on the ground. The adult’s body, wings, crest, and crown are black, and the neck and rump are white. The bill is thick, gray, and hooked, and the legs are yellow.

The Northern Crested Caracara has a wingspan in the range of 42.1”-47.2” (107-120 cm) and total weight of 2-3.5 lb (.9-1.6 kg). The body of the Northern Crested Caracara has an overall length between 19.3”-22.8” (49-58 cm), body width of 5.7”-6.9” (14.5-17.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 16.9”-20.1” (43-51 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Crested Caracara is between 18-30 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Crested Caracara standing
The Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a scavenger that lives in the lowlands of Cuba, northern South America, and most of Central America and Mexico. As a carnivorous scavenger they mostly eat carrion and sometimes fruit. They often catch immobile, injured, or incapacitated prey.

The Northern Crested Caracara has a wingspan in the range of 42.1”-47.2” (107-120 cm) and total weight of 2-3.5 lb (.9-1.6 kg). The body of the Northern Crested Caracara has an overall length between 19.3”-22.8” (49-58 cm), body width of 5.7”-6.9” (14.5-17.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 16.9”-20.1” (43-51 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Crested Caracara is between 18-30 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Crested Caracara standing
Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Height:
16.9”-20.1” | 43-51 cm
Width:
42.1”-47.2” | 107-120 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
19.3”-22.8” | 49-58 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2-3.5 lb | .9-1.6 kg
Area:

Body Width: 5.7”-6.9” | 14.5-17.5 cm

Scientific Name
Caracara cheriway
Lifespan
18-30 years

Drawings include:

Northern Crested Caracara side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Griffon Vulture to other species of birds of prey

The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large Old World vulture that lives in Eurasia; they nest in colonies in cliffs that are untouched by humans and also in crags on mountains. They are closely related to the White-Backed Vulture. Like other Old World vultures, the species has a very white head, broad wings, and short tail feathers. The neck ruff is white, and the bill is yellow, and the buff colored body and wing coverts contrast with the darker flight feathers. By soaring over open areas, they find carcasses to feed on.

The Griffon Vulture has a wingspan in the range of 90.6”-110.2” (230-280 cm) and total weight of 13.2-33.1 lb (6-15 kg). The body of the Griffon Vulture has an overall length between 37.4”-48” (95-122 cm), body width of 12.2”-15.4” (31-39 cm), and standing height of roughly 25.8”-33.1” (65.5-84 cm). The typical lifespan of the Griffon Vulture is between 35-42 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Griffon Vulture in various standing poses with dimensions
The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large Old World vulture that lives in Eurasia; they nest in colonies in cliffs that are untouched by humans and also in crags on mountains. They are closely related to the White-Backed Vulture. Like other Old World vultures, the species has a very white head.

The Griffon Vulture has a wingspan in the range of 90.6”-110.2” (230-280 cm) and total weight of 13.2-33.1 lb (6-15 kg). The body of the Griffon Vulture has an overall length between 37.4”-48” (95-122 cm), body width of 12.2”-15.4” (31-39 cm), and standing height of roughly 25.8”-33.1” (65.5-84 cm). The typical lifespan of the Griffon Vulture is between 35-42 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Griffon Vulture in various standing poses with dimensions
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Height:
25.8”-33.1” | 65.5-84 cm
Width:
90.6”-110.2” | 230-280 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
37.4”-48” | 95-122 cm
Depth:
Weight:
13.2-33.1 lb | 6-15 kg
Area:

Body Width: 12.2”-15.4” | 31-39 cm

Scientific Name
Gyps fulvus
Lifespan
35-42 years

Drawings include:

Griffon Vulture side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Comparison drawing of the Red-Tailed Hawk compared to other birds of prey

The Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) occupies a wide range of habitats throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. The species can acclimate to all the biomes within their range; some environments include deserts, grasslands, coniferous and deciduous forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas. There are 14 recognized subspecies, and they vary in appearance and range, varying most often in color. As opportunistic generalists, their diets vary, but they most often eat small mammals like rodents.

The Red-Tailed Hawk has a wingspan in the range of 43.3”-55.5” (110-141 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.4 lb (.69-2 kg). The body of the Red-Tailed Hawk has an overall length between 17.7”-25.6” (45-65 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.3” (13-18.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 11.2”-15.9” (28.5-40.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red-Tailed Hawk is between 20-31 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) occupies a wide range of habitats throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. The species can acclimate to all the biomes within their range.

The Red-Tailed Hawk has a wingspan in the range of 43.3”-55.5” (110-141 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.4 lb (.69-2 kg). The body of the Red-Tailed Hawk has an overall length between 17.7”-25.6” (45-65 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.3” (13-18.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 11.2”-15.9” (28.5-40.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red-Tailed Hawk is between 20-31 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Height:
11.2”-15.9” | 28.5-40.5 cm
Width:
43.3”-55.5” | 110-141 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
17.7”-25.6” | 45-65 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-4.4 lb | .69-2 kg
Area:

Body Width: 5.1”-7.3” | 13-18.5 cm

Scientific Name
Buteo jamaicensis
Lifespan
20-31 years

Drawings include:

Red-Tailed Hawk side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Comparison drawing of the Snail Kite compared to other birds of prey

The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a bird of prey that lives in the freshwater wetlands of tropical South America, the Caribbean, and central and southern Florida in the United States. Its name is in reference to its diet which mainly consists of apple snails. They have long, broad, and rounded wings, and a long tail with a white rump and undertail converts. The beak is dark and deeply hooked. An adult male’s plumage is dark blue-gray with darker flight feathers and red legs. The adult female is dark brown with streaked pale underparts; the face is white with darker areas behind and above the eyes, and the legs are yellow or orange.

The Snail Kite has a wingspan in the range of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm) and total weight of .66-1.26 lb (.3-.57 kg). The body of the Snail Kite has an overall length between 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.3” (11-13.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-10.4” (22-26.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snail Kite is between 9-14 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Snail Kite
The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a bird of prey that lives in the freshwater wetlands of tropical South America, the Caribbean, and central and southern Florida in the United States. Its name is in reference to its diet which mainly consists of apple snails.

The Snail Kite has a wingspan in the range of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm) and total weight of .66-1.26 lb (.3-.57 kg). The body of the Snail Kite has an overall length between 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.3” (11-13.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-10.4” (22-26.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snail Kite is between 9-14 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Snail Kite
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Height:
8.7”-10.4” | 22-26.5 cm
Width:
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.66-1.26 lb | .3-.57 kg
Area:

Body Width: 4.3”-5.3” | 11-13.5 cm

Scientific Name
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Lifespan
9-14 years

Drawings include:

Snail Kite side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
Scale illustration of an average Bearded Vulture compared to other bird of prey species

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is considered an Old World vulture that lives and breeds on crags in high mountains in southern Europe, the Caucasus, Africa, India, and Tibet. Unlike most vultures, the Bearded Vulture does not have a bald head; its head is small with a powerful and thick neck. It has a long and slender shape, and may appear bulkier due to its hunched back. Other traits are its large and powerful feet, variably orange or rust colored head and dark grey or white plumage, cream-colored forehead, and black beard. As a scavenger, it mostly eats the remains of dead animals.

The Bearded Vulture has a wingspan in the range of 90.6”-112.2” (230-285 cm) and total weight of 8.2-15.7 lb (3.7-7.1 kg). The body of the Bearded Vulture has an overall length between 37”-49.2” (94-125 cm), body width of 9.8”-12.4” (25-31.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 19.3”-26.2” (49-66.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Bearded Vulture is between 21-45 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Bearded Vulture standing
The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is considered an Old World vulture that lives and breeds on crags in high mountains in southern Europe, the Caucasus, Africa, India, and Tibet. Unlike most vultures, the Bearded Vulture does not have a bald head; its head is small with a powerfully thick neck.

The Bearded Vulture has a wingspan in the range of 90.6”-112.2” (230-285 cm) and total weight of 8.2-15.7 lb (3.7-7.1 kg). The body of the Bearded Vulture has an overall length between 37”-49.2” (94-125 cm), body width of 9.8”-12.4” (25-31.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 19.3”-26.2” (49-66.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Bearded Vulture is between 21-45 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Bearded Vulture standing
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
Height:
19.3”-26.2” | 49-66.5 cm
Width:
90.6”-112.2” | 230-285 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
37”-49.2” | 94-125 cm
Depth:
Weight:
8.2-15.7 lb | 3.7-7.1 kg
Area:

Body Width: 9.8”-12.4” | 25-31.5 cm

Scientific Name
Gypaetus barbatus
Lifespan
21-45 years

Drawings include:

Bearded Vulture side view, front, flying (assorted)

Downloads

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