Accipitriformes

The Accipitriformes are a large orders of birds that includes most of the diurnal birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures.

These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, keen eyesight, and sharp talons.

The order Accipitriformes also includes the New World vultures, which are not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe and Asia. The New World vultures are carrion-eaters, and have a bare head with a hooked beak. They are not as strong on the wing as the true raptors, and are generally found near bodies of water where they can easily find their next meal.

There are about 233 species of birds in the Accipitriformes, divided into four families:

• The Cathartidae, or New World vultures;
• The Pandionidae, or ospreys;
• The Accipitridae, or true raptors; and
• The Sagittariidae, or secretary birds.

The Cathartidae are the largest family in the order, with about 70 species. They are found in North and South America, and include the turkey vulture, black vulture, and the king vulture.

The Pandionidae are a small family of only five species, found in the Americas and Eurasia. These birds have long, narrow wings and very short tails. They feed primarily on fish that they catch by swooping down from high above the water's surface.

The Accipitridae are the largest family in the order, with over 140 species. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and include eagles, hawks, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures.

The Sagittariidae is a small family of only two species, found only in Africa. These birds are quite different from the other bird of prey families, with a long tail, and long legs for hunting on the ground. They feed primarily on insects and carrion.