How to Identify Accipitridae — Hawk & Eagle Family

Accipitridae (Hawk & Eagle Family) is a animal family in the Animalia kingdom, order Accipitriformes, class Aves. The family contains 167 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

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Representative Accipitridae Species

How to identify Harpagus diodon (Temminck, 1823)

Harpagus diodon (Temminck, 1823)

Harpagus diodon (Temminck, 1823)

Harpagus diodon, the rufous-thighed kite, is a small raptor that lives and breed…

How to identify Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Circus aeruginosus, the western marsh harrier, is a large wetland-associated har…

How to identify Butastur liventer (Temminck, 1827)

Butastur liventer (Temminck, 1827)

Butastur liventer (Temminck, 1827)

The rufous-winged buzzard (Butastur liventer) is a resident Asian bird of prey w…

How to identify Buteo nitidus (Latham, 1790)

Buteo nitidus (Latham, 1790)

Buteo nitidus (Latham, 1790)

Buteo nitidus, the gray-lined hawk, is a short-winged Buteo with distinct adult …

How to identify Leucopternis lacernulatus (Temminck, 1827)

Leucopternis lacernulatus (Temminck, 1827)

Leucopternis lacernulatus (Temminck, 1827)

This is a description of the white-necked hawk Leucopternis lacernulatus, coveri…

How to identify Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758)

Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758)

Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758)

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a widely distributed Northern Hemisphere…

How to identify Circus ranivorus (Daudin, 1800)

Circus ranivorus (Daudin, 1800)

Circus ranivorus (Daudin, 1800)

Circus ranivorus, the African marsh harrier, is a raptor native to moist regions…

How to identify Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot, 1817)

Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot, 1817)

Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot, 1817)

Rostrhamus sociabilis, the snail kite, is a molluscivorous raptor specialized fo…

How to identify Geranospiza caerulescens (Vieillot, 1817)

Geranospiza caerulescens (Vieillot, 1817)

Geranospiza caerulescens (Vieillot, 1817)

Geranospiza caerulescens, the crane hawk, is the only species in the Geranospiza…

How to identify Buteo brachyurus Vieillot, 1816

Buteo brachyurus Vieillot, 1816

Buteo brachyurus Vieillot, 1816

The short-tailed hawk (Buteo brachyurus) is an American buteo bird of prey found…

How to identify Buteogallus meridionalis (Latham, 1790)

Buteogallus meridionalis (Latham, 1790)

Buteogallus meridionalis (Latham, 1790)

Buteogallus meridionalis, the savanna hawk, is a raptor with distinct physical t…

How to identify Accipiter striatus Vieillot, 1808

Accipiter striatus Vieillot, 1808

Accipiter striatus Vieillot, 1808

Accipiter striatus is a small Accipiter hawk widespread across the Americas with…

Browse all 167 Accipitridae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Accipitridae?

Accipitridae animals belong to the Accipitriformes order in the Animalia kingdom. This is a large, bulky harrier, larger than other European harriers, with fairly broad wings, and it shows distinct sexual dimorphism. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Accipitridae?

Accipitridae is classified in the order Accipitriformes, class Aves, phylum Chordata. Its southern range limit is in central Mexico, from the Guadalajara area in the west to the Tampico area in the east; this is the "Mexican eagle" featured on Mexico's coat of arms.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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