Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are fascinating creatures that continue to be at the top of the food chain due to their amazing traits and capabilities. With many avian species living on different continents around the globe, you might wonder about the largest birds of prey in the world. Their huge build and strong hunting prowess make them an interesting species to learn about.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest birds of prey according to the search results. These birds are equipped with sharp, hooked bills to tear into their food and large, sharp talons to grab and hold on to it tightly.
You are reading: The Top 10 Largest Birds Of Prey
The Top 10 Largest Birds Of Prey
Andean Condor
The Andean Condor is a giant South American Cathartid vulture and is the only member of the genus Vultur. It is the largest flying bird in the world, with a wingspan of up to 10.10 feet and a weight range of 16.9 to 33 pounds.
The Andean Condor is found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, from Venezuela and Colombia to Tierra del Fuego. It is considered vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and secondary poisoning from lead in carcasses killed by hunters.
The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the Andean regions. These birds prefer to live in windy areas where they can glide on air currents with little effort, and they are found in mountainous regions, coasts with ocean breezes, and even deserts that feature strong thermal air currents.
The Andean Condor is the largest raptor in the world and the largest flying bird in South America. It has an important ecological role as a scavenger, quickening the decomposition rate of dead animals, thus diminishing the spread of diseases.
California Condor
The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is a New World vulture and the largest North American land bird. It is also one of the largest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan of over nine feet and a weight of over 20 pounds.
The California Condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 when all remaining wild individuals were captured, but has since been reintroduced to northern Arizona and southern Utah, the coastal mountains of California, and northern Baja California in Mexico. The captive breeding of this critically endangered species is one of the most well-known efforts to revive an animal on the verge of extinction.
The California Condor is a significant bird to many Californian Native American groups and plays an important role in several of their traditional myths.
These birds can soar and glide for hours without beating their wings, and they don’t reach adulthood until they are six or seven years old. They can live for 40 years or more, much longer than most other kinds of birds. The California Condor is a superb glider that travels widely to feed on carcasses of deer and other large mammals.
Himalayan Vulture
The Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis) is an Old World vulture that is native to the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau.
Here are some key facts about the Himalayan Vulture:
Geographic Range:
– The Himalayan Vulture is indigenous to the uplands of central Asia, ranging from Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in the west to western China and Mongolia in the east.
– It is also found in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Burma, Singapore, and Cambodia.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Himalayan Vulture is one of the two largest Old World vultures and true raptors.
– It is the largest bird of prey in the Himalayas and one of the largest vultures in the world.
– The size of the bird may vary, but it can weigh up to 33 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 9.8 feet.
– The plumage is pale overall, with whitish underparts and dark flight feathers.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The Himalayan Vulture lives mainly in the higher regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau at the elevation range of 1,200–5,500 m (3,900–18,000 ft).
– It is a scavenger and feeds on carrion, including the carcasses of large mammals such as yaks, horses, and cows.
– The Himalayan Vulture perches on cliffs and trees, and it is known for its soaring and gliding abilities.
– The Himalayan Vulture is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poisoning from veterinary drugs used on domestic animals.
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In summary, the Himalayan Vulture is a large bird of prey that is native to the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau. It is a scavenger that feeds on carrion and is known for its soaring and gliding abilities. The Himalayan Vulture is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poisoning from veterinary drugs.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a bird of prey that is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere.
Here are some key facts about the Golden Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Golden Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in North America, with a wingspan of up to 86.6 inches and a length of up to 33.1 inches.
– These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes.
– Immature eagles of this species typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings.
Behavior and Ecology:
– Golden Eagles are carnivores that prey mainly on small mammals, such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots.
– They are also known to kill larger mammals like seals, mountain goats, coyotes, badgers, and bobcats.
– These eagles are also scavengers, feeding on carrion.
– Golden Eagles are sometimes considered the best fliers among eagles and perhaps among all raptorial birds.
– They are equipped with broad, long wings with somewhat finger-like indentations on the tips, which allow them to soar and glide for hours without beating their wings.
– Golden Eagles are typically found alone or in pairs, and it is believed that they are monogamous, mating for life.
– The pair defends their territory against other Golden Eagles, and they are also known to hunt prey cooperatively during the breeding season.
Conservation Status:
– The Golden Eagle has undoubtedly declined from historical levels, but current populations are thought to be stable.
– They may not be able to tolerate human disturbance near the nest.
– Golden Eagles are protected by law in many countries.
In summary, the Golden Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in North America and is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. These birds are carnivores that prey mainly on small mammals and are also scavengers. They are known for their impressive flying abilities and are typically found alone or in pairs. The Golden Eagle is protected by law in many countries.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America.
Here are some key facts about the Bald Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Bald Eagle is a large raptor with a wingspan of about seven feet.
– Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak and feet.
– Immature birds have mostly dark heads and tails with mottled brown and white bodies.
Behavior and Ecology:
– Bald Eagles are carnivores that feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and carrion.
– They are found near large bodies of open water, such as coasts, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
– Bald Eagles are known for their impressive flying abilities and are often seen soaring in solitude or gathering in large numbers during the winter.
– These birds are monogamous and mate for life, and they build large nests on tall trees or cliffs near water.
– Bald Eagles are the national bird and emblem of the United States and have been protected by law since 1940.
Conservation Status:
– The Bald Eagle was once endangered due to hunting and pesticide use, but populations have since recovered.
– The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
In summary, the Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey found in North America. These birds are carnivores that feed mainly on fish and are known for their impressive flying abilities. They are monogamous and build large nests near water. The Bald Eagle is the national bird and emblem of the United States and has been protected by law since 1940.
Lappet-faced Vulture
The Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is an Old World vulture belonging to the bird order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards, and hawks.
Here are some key facts about the Lappet-faced Vulture:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Lappet-faced Vulture is a huge species, ranking as the longest and largest winged vulture in its range.
– It measures around 95–115 cm (37–45 in) in body length, with a wingspan of 2.5–2.9 m (8.2–9.5 ft).
– It has a bullish, naked, square head, a bulky bluish-yellow beak, and wrinkled loose skin (lappets) on the face.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The Lappet-faced Vulture is a scavenging bird that feeds mostly from animal carcasses, which it finds by sight or by following other scavengers.
– These birds are known to be aggressive and will often displace other vultures from a carcass.
– Lappet-faced Vultures are monogamous and mate for life, and they build large nests on tall trees or cliffs.
– They are found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to Namibia and South Africa.
– The Lappet-faced Vulture is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a small, rapidly declining population caused by poisoning and persecution.
In summary, the Lappet-faced Vulture is a huge scavenging bird that feeds mostly from animal carcasses. These birds are known to be aggressive and are found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. The Lappet-faced Vulture is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a small, rapidly declining population caused by poisoning and persecution.
Philippine Eagle
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a critically endangered species of eagle that is endemic to forests in the Philippines.
Here are some key facts about the Philippine Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Philippine Eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world, measuring 2.5-3.3 feet (76-102 cm) in length and weighing 4.04 to 8.0 kg (8.9 to 17.6 lb).
– It has brown and white-colored plumage, a shaggy crest, and a bluish-gray beak.
– The eagle’s eyes are blue-gray.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The Philippine Eagle is a forest raptor that relies on pristine primary forest in which to hunt, build its nest, and raise its young.
– It is a carnivore that feeds mainly on monkeys, flying squirrels, civets, and other small mammals, as well as birds and reptiles.
– The Philippine Eagle is monogamous and mates for life, and it builds large nests on tall trees.
– The species is one of the rarest eagles in the world, with an estimated population of fewer than 500 individuals.
– The Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines and was named the official mascot for the Southeast Asian Games competition in 2005.
Conservation Status:
– The Philippine Eagle is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
– The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a foundation devoted to saving the Philippine Eagle.
– Killing a Philippine Eagle is punishable under Philippine law by up to 12 years in prison and heavy fines.
In summary, the Philippine Eagle is a critically endangered species of eagle that is endemic to forests in the Philippines. These birds are carnivores that feed mainly on small mammals and are monogamous. The Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
Harpy Eagle
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a neotropical species of eagle and is the largest and most powerful raptor found throughout its range.
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Here are some key facts about the Harpy Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Harpy Eagle is one of the largest species of eagle, measuring 2.5-3.3 feet (76-102 cm) in length and weighing 9-20 lbs (4-9 kg).
– It has brown and white-colored plumage, a shaggy crest, and a bluish-gray beak.
– The eagle’s eyesight is 8 times better than humans, and it has enormous talons that can be up to 5 inches long.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The Harpy Eagle is a forest raptor that inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer.
– It is a carnivore that feeds mainly on monkeys, flying squirrels, civets, and other small mammals, as well as birds and reptiles.
– Harpy Eagles are monogamous and mate for life, and they build large nests on tall trees.
– The species is found from southern Mexico to the eastern part of Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina.
– The Harpy Eagle is considered one of the most powerful and largest raptors globally.
Conservation Status:
– The Harpy Eagle is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
– The Peregrine Fund supports one of the longest studies on Harpy Eagles ever, observing the wild population in Darien, Panama.
– Killing a Harpy Eagle is punishable under law in many countries.
In summary, the Harpy Eagle is a neotropical species of eagle that is the largest and most powerful raptor found throughout its range. These birds are carnivores that feed mainly on small mammals and are monogamous. The Harpy Eagle is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
White-tailed Eagle
The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a large species of sea eagle that is widely distributed across temperate Eurasia.
Here are some key facts about the White-tailed Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The White-tailed Eagle is one of the largest species of eagle, measuring 2.5-3.3 feet (76-102 cm) in length and weighing 9-20 lbs (4-9 kg).
– It has brown and white-colored plumage, a shaggy crest, and a bluish-gray beak.
– The eagle’s eyesight is 8 times better than humans, and it has enormous talons that can be up to 5 inches long.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The White-tailed Eagle is a forest raptor that inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer.
– It is a carnivore that feeds mainly on fish, but it also eats small mammals, birds, and carrion.
– White-tailed Eagles are monogamous and mate for life, and they build large nests on tall trees or cliffs near water.
– The species is found from southern Mexico to the eastern part of Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina.
– The White-tailed Eagle is considered one of the most powerful and largest raptors globally.
Conservation Status:
– The White-tailed Eagle is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large range and stable population.
– The species was once endangered due to hunting and pesticide use, but populations have since recovered.
– The White-tailed Eagle is the largest bird of prey in the UK, and it is a protected species under UK law.
In summary, the White-tailed Eagle is a large species of sea eagle that is widely distributed across temperate Eurasia. These birds are carnivores that feed mainly on fish and are monogamous. The White-tailed Eagle is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large range and stable population.
Steller’s Sea Eagle
The Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a very large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Here are some key facts about the Steller’s Sea Eagle:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the largest species of eagle, measuring 3.3-3.9 feet (100-120 cm) in length and weighing 11-20 lbs (5-9 kg).
– It has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, a yellow beak, and yellow talons.
– The eagle’s head is large and has a distinctive white forehead and shoulders.
Behavior and Ecology:
– The Steller’s Sea Eagle is a fish-eating bird that is found along the coastlines and islands of eastern Russia, from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Kamchatka Peninsula.
– These eagles are known for their impressive fishing skills and are often seen perched on rocks or trees near the water.
– The species is monogamous and mates for life, and it builds large nests on tall trees near water.
– The Steller’s Sea Eagle is a resident bird and does not migrate.
– These eagles are opportunistic feeders and may supplement their diet with various mammals, crabs, mussels, Nereis worms, and squid.
Conservation Status:
– The Steller’s Sea Eagle is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, hunting, and pollution.
– The species is protected by law in Russia and Japan.
– The Steller’s Sea Eagle is displayed in some zoos and wildlife parks around the world.
In summary, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is a very large diurnal bird of prey that is found along the coastlines and islands of eastern Russia. These eagles are fish-eating birds that are known for their impressive fishing skills. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, hunting, and pollution.
FAQS
1. What is a bird of prey?
A bird of prey, also known as a raptor, is a bird that hunts and feeds on other animals. They are equipped with sharp, hooked bills to tear into their food and large, sharp talons to grab and hold on to it tightly.
2. What are the largest birds of prey in the world?
The largest birds of prey in the world include the Andean Condor, California Condor, Himalayan Vulture, Golden Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Philippine Eagle, Steller’s Sea Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Harpy Eagle, and African Crowned Eagle.
3. Where are the largest birds of prey found?
The largest birds of prey are found all over the world, from the Americas to Africa, Europe, and Asia. Some species are found in specific regions, such as the Andean Condor in the Andes mountains of South America and the Philippine Eagle in the forests of the Philippines.
4. What do birds of prey eat?
Birds of prey are carnivores that feed mainly on other animals, such as small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Some species, such as vultures and condors, are scavengers that feed on carrion.
5. Why are some birds of prey endangered?
Many birds of prey are endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. Some species, such as the Philippine Eagle and Steller’s Sea Eagle, have small populations that are vulnerable to extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.
6. Are vultures and condors considered birds of prey?
While some ornithologists and biologists dispute classifying vultures and condors as birds of prey, they are included in many lists of the largest birds of prey due to their raptor-like characteristics. Vultures and condors are equipped with sharp, hooked bills and large, sharp talons, and they are carnivores that feed mainly on carrion.
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Category: Birds
