Order Information (Accipitriformes)

Accipitriformes

Accipitriformes, from Latin accipiter (“hawk”) and Latin -fōrmis (“-shaped”), in reference to the fact these animals are all hawk-shaped and hawk-related.

Hawks, eagles, vultures, kites, secretary birds, ospreys.

Photos

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DISTRIBUTION

All continents except Antarctica and some oceanic islands.

SIZE

They range from 23 cm in length and 85 g in weight up to 1.3 m and 4.27 kg.

MORPHOLOGY

Usually, they have a soft cere that houses their nostrils and a beak that is strongly hooked. The outer four to six primary feathers of their wings are emarginated, making them long and rather broad, making them ideal for soaring flight. With opposable hind claws and raptorial claws, they have powerful legs and feet.

ECOLOGY & HABITAT

Usually rest in trees or high peaks. Habitat varies from desert, tundra, wetlands, to rainforests.

DIET

They are predominantly diurnal predators and most species actively hunt for their prey, feeding mainly on any kind of animal, depending on the habitat. Some species also eat carrions.

REPRODUCTION

Usually nest in trees or high peaks. The majority are monogamous and mate with the same partner throughout their life.

REFERENCES

del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D. A. (2010). Handbook of the Birds of the World Series. Lynx Edicions.

Lovette, I. J., Fitzpatrick, J. W. (2016). Handbook of Bird Biology. Wiley-Blackwell.

Gill, F. B., Prum, R. O. (2019). Ornithology. W.H. Freeman & Co. Ltd.

Total species known

252

Species in the collection

11

Species in Hong Kong

27

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