Types of Raptors
Raptor enthusiasts commonly discuss different types of raptors in the context of two large scientific orders of birds: Falconiformes and Strigiformes.
| Raptor Species Types of Birds American Bald Eagle American Kestrel Burrowing Owl Cooper's Hawk Marsh Hawk Osprey Red-tailed Hawk Snowy Owl |
The five Falconiforme families are listed below, along with an estimate of the number of family species. Species in the Falconidae and Accipitridae families, dominate any birder's life list because they account for over well over ninety percent of the world's species.
- Sagittariidae: The Secretary Bird of sub-saharan Africa is the only species.
- Pandionidae: The Osprey is the only species.
- Cathartidae: Seven species called New World vultures. Most people known them as vultures and condors.
- Falconidae: Most accounts list approximately sixty different species of falcons and caracara around the world.
- Accipitridae: This family consists of hawks, eagles, kites, old world vultures, among others, with different sources quoting a range between roughly 215-235 different species.
The Strigiformes order consists solely of owls. They occupy a unique order based primarily on a series of shared physical characteristics such as night vision. An owl's exceptional vision allows it to hunt at night. While adapted to a nocturnal life style, many owls are also active during the day. The Great Horned Owl, a species found throughout the United States, can often be observed going about its territorial business during daylight hours.
Owls also possess physical characteristics which helps differentiate them from each other. The Strigiforme order divides into two families, each based on different physical characteristics. The Tytonidae, commonly knows as barn owls, share physical characteristics such as a heart shaped faced and smaller eyes. The Strigidae, commonly known as true owls, share physical characteristics such as a round face and larger eyes.
Species numbers vary around the 175 species range, placing the vast majority of owl species in the world in the Strigidae family.
© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels