The term raptor is derived from the Latin word rapio, meaning "to seize or take by force". Some extinct predatory birds had talons similar to those of modern birds of prey, including mousebird relatives ( Sandcoleidae), Messelasturidae and some Enantiornithes, indicating possible convergent evolution. shrikes) and birds like nightjars and frogmouths. Īlthough the term "bird of prey" could theoretically be taken to include all birds that actively hunt and eat other animals, ornithologists typically use the narrower definition followed in this page, excluding both piscivorous predators such as storks, herons, gulls, skuas, penguins and kingfishers, as well as primarily insectivorous birds such as passerine birds (e.g.
Although predatory birds primarily hunt live prey, many species (such as fish eagles, vultures and condors) also scavenge and eat carrion. In addition to speed and strength, these predators have keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight, strong feet with sharp talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing off flesh.
From top left to right: eurasian eagle-owl, king vulture, peregrine falcon, golden eagle and bearded vultureĬladistically included but traditionally excluded taxaīirds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds). For other uses, see Birds of Prey (disambiguation), Bird of Prey (disambiguation), and Raptor (disambiguation).
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