Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Harriers and Old World Vultures (Accipitridae)

 

The Accipitridae are diurnal birds of prey with broad wings, hooked beaks, sharp talons, and large eyes. They inhabit all the continents (except Antarctica) and many oceanic islands. The family contains 14 subfamilies, 70 genera, and ca. 250 species. Accipitrids are found in most terrestrial habitats, including forest, savanna, grasslands, deserts, coasts, tundra, alpine, and man-modified habitats; from sea level to the highest mountains. Some species are migratory.

Most members of this family are active predators, hunting rodents, lagomorphs, bats, small ungulates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, or invertebrates. The Old World vultures specialize in eating carrion. Fruit are important in the diet of one species. Stick nests are built in trees, cliffs, abandoned buildings, or occasionally on the ground. The breeding season ranges from 2-3 months to over a year. Larger species lay 1-2 eggs, whereas smaller accipiters and harriers 5-6 (up to 9) eggs. Incubation lasts 28- 60 days. The young leave after 3-4 weeks to a year in the nest. They attain maturity in 1 to 5 years, depending on the species.

 

		Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
Unauthorized use of our images is NOT permitted.
Hotlinking or "pinning" of our images to websites is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev - All Rights Reserved