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Kites, Hawks, Eagles

The Accipitridae family, consisting of species such as hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and some vultures, comprises 255 species across 70 genera. These birds of prey range from small to large with strongly hooked beaks and dining habits that include insects, medium-sized mammals, carrion, and occasionally fruit. They are found globally, except Antarctica, with some species exhibiting migratory behavior. Many members of the family exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females generally larger. Accipitrids possess acute vision and strong talons for hunting. They build nests in secure locations and often return to the same site, with breeding seasons varying in length. Eggs are laid at intervals, which can lead to siblicide as a survival strategy when resources are scarce. Young accipitrids fledge after an extended period compared to other birds and may roam for years before reaching maturity. The family displays a diverse array of plumage and size, and while most species are solitary hunters, some, such as the Harris's hawk, demonstrate cooperative hunting and nesting behavior. Molecular studies and fossil records suggest a rich evolutionary history dating back tens of millions of years, with modern genera identified since the Early Oligocene. The intricate relationships within the family and their phylogenetic placement continue to be a subject of scientific investigation.

Regions

A photo of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A photo of a Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus
A photo of a Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus)

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus
A photo of a Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii
A photo of a Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens)

Crane Hawk

Geranospiza caerulescens

Double-toothed Kite

Harpagus bidentatus
A photo of a Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis
A photo of a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos
A photo of a Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) , male

Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis
A photo of a Grey Hawk (Buteo plagiatus)

Grey Hawk

Buteo plagiatus
A photo of a Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus
A photo of a Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus) , male

Hook-billed Kite

Chondrohierax uncinatus
A photo of a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis
A photo of a Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) , male

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius
A photo of a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus
A photo of a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis
A photo of a Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris)

Roadside Hawk

Rupornis magnirostris
A photo of a Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus)

Rough-legged Buzzard

Buteo lagopus
A photo of a Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus
A photo of a Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus
A photo of a Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) , male

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis
A photo of a Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

Steller's Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus pelagicus
A photo of a Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni
A photo of a Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus
A photo of a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla
A photo of a White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)

White-tailed Hawk

Geranoaetus albicaudatus
A photo of a White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus
A photo of a Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus
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Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
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