Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey, an order of Birds also known by the more technical names of Accipitres and Raptors. Vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls are familiar examples. The division belongs to an old classification, based as the terms suggest on likenesses of habit rather than similarities of structure. Unlike some of the other old orders, however, the birds of prey form a well-defined series, and correspond to the group Aetomorphæ in Huxley's anatomical classification. They feed for the most part on warm-blooded animals, which they catch alive and tear to pieces. They are in almost every respect exceedingly highly developed birds. Their senses are very acute, their flight strong and rapid, their size and strength above the average. The beak is very strong and sharp, the upper part slightly overhangs the lower, the margins are well adapted for cutting. The toes are armed with strong bent claws, and the feathers come down to the angle of the foot. The females usually do all the brooding, but the males keep up the food-supply for the young. Their nests are lofty. The distribution is very wide. Three families—Owls, Vultures, and Falcons—are commonly distinguished. See the separate articles.