Birds of Prey | Raptors

Birds of prey, or raptors, are a species of bird that hunt and feed on relatively large vertebrates. While some other birds hunt live animals, birds of prey are distinguished by their keen eyesight, sharp talons, and curved beaks. Even though birds of prey typically hunt living animals, they will also feed on already dead animals as well, with condors and vultures feeding off carrion primarily. There are 6 different groups of birds of prey, with 446 different species worldwide. Birds of prey can vary in size from the small Falconet at roughly 6 inches (15 cm) in length, to the large Andean Condor with a wingspan of 10 feet (3 meters).

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.

Birds of Prey Guides
Browse through our curated Birds of Prey Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Birds of Prey. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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 Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
Scale illustration of an average Northern Harrier compared to other bird of prey species

The Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) is a migratory bird of prey that breeds in the northern region of the northern hemisphere in Canada and the United States; it migrates to southern parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America in the winter. The species like to occupy moorland, bogs, prairies, marshes, and other assorted open areas. They have long wings and tails, and like other harriers, the Northern Harrier has distinct male and female plumage. The adult male has a dark gray plumage and spectral aura, and the adult female’s plumage is more rufous. A majority of the diet is small mammals like voles, cotton rats, and ground squirrels.

The Northern Harrier has a wingspan in the range of 38.2”-48” (97-122 cm) and total weight of .64-1.65 lb (.29-.75 kg). The body of the Northern Harrier has an overall length between 16.1”-20.5” (41-52 cm), body width of 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.8”-12.8” (25-32.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Harrier is between 8-17 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Harrier standing
The Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) is a migratory bird of prey that breeds in the northern region of the northern hemisphere in Canada and the United States; it migrates to southern parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America in the winter.

The Northern Harrier has a wingspan in the range of 38.2”-48” (97-122 cm) and total weight of .64-1.65 lb (.29-.75 kg). The body of the Northern Harrier has an overall length between 16.1”-20.5” (41-52 cm), body width of 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.8”-12.8” (25-32.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Harrier is between 8-17 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Northern Harrier standing
Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
Height:
9.8”-12.8” | 25-32.5 cm
Width:
38.2”-48” | 97-122 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
16.1”-20.5” | 41-52 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.64-1.65 lb | .29-.75 kg
Area:

Body Width: 4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm

Scientific Name
Circus hudsonius
Lifespan
8-17 years

Drawings include:

Northern Harrier 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)

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Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Hen Harrier to other species of birds of prey

The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey that breeds in Eurasia. In the winter they migrate to more southerly areas like southern Europe and southern temperate Asia. The species have distinct plumages between the male and female. The male is gray above and white below with the exception of the upper breast which is gray. The rump is white, and the wings are gray with black wingtips. A female Hen Harrier is brown above with white upper tail coverts and buff and brown streaked underparts. Their diet is mostly small mammals, and some birds are also regularly hunted.

The Hen Harrier has a wingspan in the range of 38.2”-48” (97-122 cm) and total weight of .64-1.39 lb (.29-.63 kg). The body of the Hen Harrier has an overall length between 16.1”-20.5” (41-52 cm), body width of 4.9”-6.7” (12.5-17 cm), and standing height of roughly 11.8”-15.2” (30-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hen Harrier is between 8-17 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Hen Harrier in various standing poses with dimensions
The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey that breeds in Eurasia. In the winter they migrate to more southerly areas like southern Europe and southern temperate Asia. The species have distinct plumages between the male and female. The male is gray above and white below.

The Hen Harrier has a wingspan in the range of 38.2”-48” (97-122 cm) and total weight of .64-1.39 lb (.29-.63 kg). The body of the Hen Harrier has an overall length between 16.1”-20.5” (41-52 cm), body width of 4.9”-6.7” (12.5-17 cm), and standing height of roughly 11.8”-15.2” (30-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hen Harrier is between 8-17 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Hen Harrier in various standing poses with dimensions
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Height:
11.8”-15.2” | 30-38.5 cm
Width:
38.2”-48” | 97-122 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
16.1”-20.5” | 41-52 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.64-1.39 lb | .29-.63 kg
Area:

Body Width: 4.9”-6.7” | 12.5-17 cm

Scientific Name
Circus cyaneus
Lifespan
8-17 years

Drawings include:

Hen Harrier 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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Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Peregrine Falcon to other species of birds of prey

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a bird of prey and the fastest bird in the world and in the animal kingdom. They are found nearly everywhere on earth with the exception of extreme polar regions, high mountain ranges, and most tropical rainforests. They have a blue-gray plumage with barred white underparts. The head is black with a pale neck and white throat. They almost exclusively hunt medium-sized birds, but they may occasionally eat small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Due to their strong hunting skills, high trainability, versatility, and availability, the Peregrine Falcon is a well-respected falconry bird.

The Peregrine Falcon has a wingspan in the range of 29.1”-47.2” (74-120 cm) and total weight of .73-3.3 lb (.33-1.5 kg). The body of the Peregrine Falcon has an overall length between 14.2”-22.8” (36-58 cm), body width of 3.9”-6.3” (10-16 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.1”-13” (20.5-33 cm). The typical lifespan of the Peregrine Falcon is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Peregrine Falcon in various standing poses with dimensions
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a bird of prey and the fastest bird in the world and in the animal kingdom. They are found nearly everywhere on earth with the exception of extreme polar regions, high mountain ranges, and most tropical rainforests. They have a blue-gray plumage.

The Peregrine Falcon has a wingspan in the range of 29.1”-47.2” (74-120 cm) and total weight of .73-3.3 lb (.33-1.5 kg). The body of the Peregrine Falcon has an overall length between 14.2”-22.8” (36-58 cm), body width of 3.9”-6.3” (10-16 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.1”-13” (20.5-33 cm). The typical lifespan of the Peregrine Falcon is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Peregrine Falcon in various standing poses with dimensions
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Height:
8.1”-13” | 20.5-33 cm
Width:
29.1”-47.2” | 74-120 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
14.2”-22.8” | 36-58 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.73-3.3 lb | .33-1.5 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3.9”-6.3” | 10-16 cm

Scientific Name
Falco peregrinus
Lifespan
15-25 years

Drawings include:

Peregrine Falcon side view, front, flying (assorted)

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