American GoshawkAstur atricapillusPowerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across much of range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with fine barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and dark reddish eye. Immature very similar to Cooper's Hawk, but larger and more powerful, with broader wings and tail, usually more obvious pale eyebrow (but Cooper’s can have this, too!), and heavy streaking below extending onto undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Cooper's is much more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.Accipitridae bird family
Order Accipitriformes · 30 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
American GoshawkAstur atricapillusPowerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across much of range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with fine barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and dark reddish eye. Immature very similar to Cooper's Hawk, but larger and more powerful, with broader wings and tail, usually more obvious pale eyebrow (but Cooper’s can have this, too!), and heavy streaking below extending onto undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Cooper's is much more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.
Bald EagleHaliaeetus leucocephalusMajestic adults have blackish-brown body with white head and tail. Several stages of immature plumages aren't quite as majestic, from fully dark brown to messy and mottled with large patches of white. Look especially for white mottling on the belly on immatures. Scavenges and hunts near bodies of water. Soars with wings flat, like a large, dark plank. Head appears large in flight; projects far in front of wings. Surprisingly weak-sounding vocalization is a series of high-pitched whistles.
BateleurTerathopius ecaudatusA very distinctive, short-tailed eagle. Young birds are uniformly dark brown, and adults are mostly black with a bright red face and legs. Sexes differ, especially in flight, and can be told by the width of the black band on the back edge of the white underwing: narrow in females, broad in males. It flies low when foraging, with wings lifted above the body and rocking from left to right in an unstable-looking fashion. Bateleurs hunt small animals and eat carrion, and they are often among the first raptors to arrive at a carcass.BateleurTerathopius ecaudatusA very distinctive, short-tailed eagle. Young birds are uniformly dark brown, and adults are mostly black with a bright red face and legs. Sexes differ, especially in flight, and can be told by the width of the black band on the back edge of the white underwing: narrow in females, broad in males. It flies low when foraging, with wings lifted above the body and rocking from left to right in an unstable-looking fashion. Bateleurs hunt small animals and eat carrion, and they are often among the first raptors to arrive at a carcass.
Bearded VultureGypaetus barbatusBreathtakingly majestic inhabitant of high and remote mountain ranges, where they build large nests on cliff ledges or in caves. Even as a distant speck, this is an unmistakable raptor, with an almost albatross-like wing shape and span, coupled with a long diamond-shaped tail. Adults are orange-rust below with a dark underwing, and slate gray above. The young are gray with a dark head. Cruises along ridgetops on flat wings, sometimes arched downwards.
Black-shouldered KiteElanus axillarisSmall, striking gray and white raptor with black shoulder patches. Underparts white with two black patches on underwing, extending from "wrist" to wingtips. Legs and feet yellow. Eyes are bright red, and dark markings behind the eye end in a sharp point. Hovers over grasslands searching for prey. Perches on exposed branches and dead trees. Common in agricultural areas and around the edges of towns.
Booted EagleHieraaetus pennatusA medium-sized buzzard-like raptor but still unmistakably eagle-shaped, with long fingered primary flight feathers, a long square-shaped tail, and feathered legs (boots) prominent when perched. Two color morphs: pale morphs are distinctively two-toned and contrasting, whereas dark birds can be confused with Black Kites and Marsh Harriers. Look for distinctive pale "landing lights" on the shoulders when viewed head-on. Found in forested country with open patches, often in hilly areas where it frequently soars with wings slightly pushed forward.
Cassin's Hawk-EagleAquila africanaSmall black-and-white eagle. Has a compact, powerful shape and the hint of a crest. The upperparts are black and the underparts very white except for black flanks. In flight, the front of the underside of the wing is solidly black. Found in humid forest. Secretive; rarely soars. Calls include a loud, repeated “kwe-kwe-yaaa” and a simple rising whistle. Similar to other hawk-eagles, but lacks streaking or spotting on the underparts. Easily separated in flight, when Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle shows a solid black patch across the front of the underwing.
Changeable Hawk-EagleNisaetus cirrhatusMedium-sized eagle with massive rounded wings. Appears very small-headed in flight. Name is slightly misleading, as there are only really two color morphs, pale and black. Pale-morph adult is dark brown above with a white breast overlaid with dark streaks. Juvenile is much paler, with cleaner white underparts and less extensive striping and barring anywhere on the body. Dark morph is dark all over with paler outer wing feathers, and can be mistaken for dark Honey-Buzzards; look out for the hawk-eagle’s much longer wings and more slender profile. Inhabits forests, forest edges, and expansive parks and plantations.
Cinereous VultureAegypius monachusHuge, majestic, dark-brown vulture. In flight, looks all dark, with some contrast between the leading edge and trailing edge from below. Soars on flat wings, often slightly drooping, with prominent wing fingers and a saw-toothed trailing edge. Juvenile lacks the adult’s pale head patches. Imposing and dominant over other vultures at carcasses. Forages over rugged mountains, upland forests, grasslands, and steppes. Sometimes disperses significant distances in the winter.
Congo Snake-EagleCircaetus spectabilisA big-headed but overall medium-sized forest eagle that eats primarily snakes. Can be found at all heights, from the canopy down to near the ground. The long banded tail, brown back with a rufous hind-collar, white breast, and barred flanks make this species unique within its range. Western birds have white throats, while eastern birds have black-spotted throats. Frequently heard calling in the forest, uttering a long series of “HOW, how, HOW, how” caws that are reminiscent of a hornbill. Throughout range, co-occurs with the similar-looking Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, but Congo Serpent-Eagle is smaller, has a black line down the center of the throat, and appears bigger-headed.
Cooper's HawkAstur cooperiiSmall to medium-sized hawk with relatively short rounded wings and rounded tail. Adults are gray above with pale orange barring below; immatures are browner and streaky. Very similar to Sharp-shinned Hawk, but larger with bigger head. Also note deeper, slower wingbeats. Breeds in forested areas; more common in suburban areas than Sharp-shinned Hawk. Feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Often stalks feeders in search of prey.
Crowned EagleStephanoaetus coronatusA large, boldly-marked, crested eagle with a long tail and broad wings, resembling a massive goshawk. The underparts of the adult are blotched and barred black-and-white; there is also a variable rufous wash across the breast. The pale immature has creamy-tan underwings. It is resident in thicker woodland and lowland, montane, and riverine forest, where it hunts monkeys and other small-to-medium-sized vertebrates. It has an undulating display flight coupled with a loud “wheee-yooo, wheee-yooo, wheee-yooo” call that often draws attention. Juvenile Crowned and Martial eagles are similar, but the Crowned has buffier underparts (and underwings), spotted flanks, and broader bars on the tail.
Eurasian GoshawkAstur gentilisPowerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across wide range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with dense barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and orange eye. Immature very similar to Eurasian Sparrowhawk but larger and more powerful, with a more prominent white eyebrow, heavier streaking below (Eurasian Sparrowhawk barred below), and typically streaked undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Sparrowhawk is more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.
Golden EagleAquila chrysaetosLarge and impressive raptor with a range encompassing much of the Northern Hemisphere. Mostly dark brown; the namesake golden nape can be hard to see, especially from below. Immatures have a white patch on the underwing and a white tail base. Compared to similar immature sea eagles such as White-tailed and Bald Eagle, lacks significant white mottling on the belly. Also note the relatively short-necked profile. Often holds wings in slight V-shape when soaring. Hunts mainly mammals in remote, open country from grasslands and steppes to mountainous areas.
Gray-faced BuzzardButastur indicusLong-winged raptor, often seen in large kettles on migration. Breeds in montane forests, where its strident two-note whistle is often heard. Adult is brown with a spotted belly, a clean white throat bordered by two black streaks and distinct white eyebrow. Juvenile is more extensively white on the head and belly, with brown upperparts sometimes blotched with white. Can be confused with Oriental Honey-Buzzard but head proportionately larger, wings narrower, and barring on the wings weaker.
Gray-headed Fish-EagleIcthyophaga ichthyaetusFierce-looking brown-and-white fish-eater. Note adult’s contrasting white belly and white tail with a broad black bar across the tip. Juvenile is paler overall, with a streaked brown breast and barred underwings. Smaller Lesser Fish-Eagle has a less contrasting tail pattern and typically a more jagged-edged white belly patch in adults; juveniles average paler below overall. Gray-headed forages around rivers, lakes, and swamplands. Vocal; often detected by its hoarse yelping screams.
Harpy EagleHarpia harpyjaMassive bird of prey, restricted to mature forest and always rare. Enormous talons. Adult is dark gray above, paler below, with obvious dark breast band. Note more obvious black-and-white barring on wings in flight to help separate it from Crested Eagle. Juvenile has whiter head than adult and no breast band; very similar to Crested Eagle but note longer crest with two points (separated in the middle). Feeds on monkeys and sloths. Usually seen perched in the canopy or flying across a road or river, does not soar.
Henst's GoshawkAstur henstiiA big, powerful goshawk. Adults are gray on the back with fine gray barring below; females much larger. Immatures have a brown back and thick streaks below. Endemic to Madagascar, where it is a scarce resident of all types of primary forest. Rarely sits in the open, and only occasionally soars. Territorial call is a loud repeated “khew” which is often given in flight. Males can be very hard to separate from similarly-sized female Madagascar Sparrowhawk. On Henst’s, look for fine bars on the undertail, a completely barred throat, and a central toe of normal length. Immatures may only be separable based on toe length. Also very similar to the rare Madagascar Serpent-Eagle. Subtle differences include slightly smaller size, evenly-spaced barring on the chest, thicker black bands on the tail, and an unbarred back.
Letter-winged KiteElanus scriptusSmall, striking gray and white raptor with black shoulder patches. Underparts white with two black patches on underwing extending from "armpit" to "wrist". Legs and feet are almost white. Eyes bright red with dark markings around the eye giving a very round owl-like appearance. Nocturnal, and unlikely to be seen hovering over grasslands searching for prey in the middle of the day like Black-shouldered Kite. Very rare; typically occurs inland Australia, although occasionally disperses more widely.
Martial EaglePolemaetus bellicosusA massive eagle with a short but prominent crest. The adult is uniformly brown on the head, back, and chest, with a pale belly covered in brown blotches. In flight the underwings are brown. Either solitary or in pairs, it inhabits woodland, plains, and semi-desert, where it hunts for vertebrates. Martial Eagles have extremely keen eyesight and can locate prey from six kilometers away. They hunt mostly on the wing and surprise prey from above. Juvenile Martial and Crowned eagles are similar, but Martial has whitish (not buffy) underparts, unspotted flanks, and narrower bars on the tail.
Oriental Honey-buzzardPernis ptilorhynchusA large raptor of lowland and montane broadleaf and mixed forests, this species is well-known for its tendency to congregate in large flocks of up to thousands during migration. Resident populations inhabit tropical forests from lowlands up into montane areas. While showing considerable plumage variation throughout its range, the combination of an unusually small and slender head, long striped tail, broad wings, and well-striped underwings make this species fairly recognizable across a wide area. True to its name, this species is a raider of wasp and bee nests, although it prefers bee and wasp larvae over their honey.
Palm-nut VultureGypohierax angolensisSmall, odd, distinctive vulture. Adults are boldly patterned black-and-white, with red bare facial skin. Juveniles are brown. Immature birds show a mixture of juvenile and adult traits. Distinctive shape in flight: broad, paddle-shaped wings and a short, wide tail. Found in a variety of habitats, including forest, woodland, and savanna--usually in the vicinity of palms. Somewhat similar to African Fish-Eagle, but easily separated by red facial skin and different pattern of black and white. Juveniles are similar to Hooded Vulture, but are smaller, with a thicker bill.
Philippine EaglePithecophaga jefferyiA huge and extremely rare raptor of lowland and montane forests. One of the largest eagles in the world, and the national bird of the Philippines. Dark brown above with pale feather edges, white underparts, a streaked shaggy crest and back of the neck, powerful yellow feet, a very thick silver-gray bill with a black tip, and black around the eye. Unmistakable if seen well perched. In flight, much broader-winged than other raptors. Voice is a descending, whistled “weeuuuu!” repeated at intervals.
Steller's Sea-EagleHaliaeetus pelagicusAn immense eagle with large head and massive orange bill to match. Adult is striking, even from a great distance: rich brown overall, with snow-white tail, belly, and shoulder patches. Juvenile and immatures darker but usually acquire mostly white, wedge-shaped tail in second year. Younger birds can be confused with young White-tailed Eagle, but Steller’s distinguished by larger bill, wedge-shaped tail, and unique wing shape, narrow at the tip, bulging in the middle, then narrowing near the body. Plucks fish from icy seas and follows fishing boats for scraps. Often associates with White-tailed Eagles where prey is abundant.
Tawny EagleAquila rapaxA medium-large, highly variable eagle that can range in overall color from whitish or creamy dull rufous to grayish-brown, and rarely dark brown. It has a moderately long gape line that stops at the center of the eye and slit-shaped nostrils. Legs are short and heavily feathered, with baggy “trousers.” Juveniles are generally paler than adults, while older immatures can have a dark hood and pale body. Mostly a bird of plains and open scrub; rarely seen over water, and avoids forests. Overall not as heavy looking as the Steppe Eagle, and never has a rich brown color tone.
Western Marsh HarrierCircus aeruginosusGangly raptor with long wings and tail; local in marshes and wetlands with extensive reed beds. Mainly seen in flight, quartering fairly low over marshes, with wings raised in shallow V. Commonest plumage dark brown overall with variable creamy cap, throat, and narrow leading edge to wing. Brightest adult males have tricolored upperwings, grayish tail, pale head and breast contrasting with rusty-brown belly. Extremely similar to closely related Eastern Marsh-Harrier; males of that species are darker-headed and browner-chested, and females are warmer brown and streakier on the chest, without Eurasian's discrete white 'cap' and dark line through the eye.
White-bellied Sea-EagleIcthyophaga leucogasterEnormous gray and white raptor that soars with wings held in strong V-shape. In flight note black and white underwing pattern, short tail. Juvenile is much browner and can be confused with Wedge-tailed Eagle, but note mostly pale and fairly short tail. Predominantly found along coastlines, as well as estuaries and inland waterways.
White-tailed EagleHaliaeetus albicillaMassive raptor with rather long, heavy bill; broad, plank-like wings; and relatively short, graduated tail. Looks like a flying barn door and soars with wings rather level (not slightly raised like Golden Eagle). Plumage dark overall. Adult has paler brown head and body, white tail, yellowish bill. Immature starts with mostly brown tail streaked white, blackish bill; attains fully white tail in about 4 years. Generally uncommon, mainly found along seacoasts and larger rivers (feeds predominantly on fish).
Zone-tailed HawkButeo albonotatusDark raptor that soars with a "V" or dihedral shape and rocks side-to-side in flight. Black overall with silver bars on flight feathers and white banded tail. Yellow feet and cere; small pale gray area in front of eyes. Sexes similar; immature similar to adult but lacking dark trailing edge to wings and with more finely banded banded gray and black tail. Shape and flight style remarkably similar to Turkey Vulture. Plumage much like Common Black Hawk but wing shape is very different. Rarely seen perched. Found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, deserts, and mangroves.