Main Characteristics of Birds of Prey

• There are 270 species of birds of prey.
• Birds of prey are divided into four families: New World vultures, secretary birds, osprey, and accipitridae.
• Most birds of prey belong to the accipitridae family.
• The most well-kown are the common buzzard, the European goshawk, and the European sparrowhawk.
• Birds of prey have excellent eyesight.
• They have sharp beaks, strong legs, and sharp talons.
• They have an "opposable" toe, which means they can move it like a thumb on a hand. This helps them hold onto their prey tightly.
• Birds of prey are carnivores. They mainly eat small rodents, reptiles and fish.
• The largest bird of prey is the Andean condor. It has a wingspan of 10.4 feet (3.2 meters) and weighs 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg).
• The smallest bird of prey is the black-thighed falconet. It measures 5.5-6.6 inches (14-17 cm) in length and weighs only 1-2 ounces (28-55 grams).

Species List