Raptors (Nocturnal and Diurnal)

Raptors or Birds of Prey:

Birds that eat flesh, either living or carrion. Keen senses, especially vision; the talons and beaks tend to be relatively large, powerful and adapted for tearing and/or piercing flesh.

Diurnal Birds of Prey (order Falconiformes):

• Accipitridae: Hawks, eagles, buzzards, harriers, kites and Old World vultures
• Pandionidae: Osprey (sometimes classified as subfamily Pandioninae of the previous family)
• Sagittariidae: Secretary-bird
• Falconidae: Falcons and caracaras

The New World vultures are usually also regarded as birds of prey, although they may not be closely related to the other groups.

Nocturnal Birds of Prey, Owls (order Strigiformes):

• Strigidae (typical owls)
• Tytonidae (barn and bay owls).