Bird of prey

A bird of prey or raptor is a bird that hunts its food using its beak and talons.

Related Topics:
Bird - Beak - Talon

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Diurnal birds of prey belong to the orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes in several groups including:

Related Topics:
Accipitriformes - Falconiformes

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For an alternative taxonomy, see also Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy.

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Nocturnal birds of prey -- the owls -- are separate from the diurnal families, and are in the order Strigiformes. Although the term "raptor" is sometimes used more broadly, in general it refers to diurnal species.

Related Topics:
Owl - Strigiformes

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Although other groups may fill similar ecological roles and sometimes appear closely related on first sight, this is largely because of convergent evolution.

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