The raptor family refers to birds of prey, which include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and other predatory bird species. Raptors are characterized by their sharp talons, curved beaks, and excellent eyesight that enable them to hunt and capture prey. There are over 500 species of raptors found worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of birds. Determining exactly how many raptor species exist requires analyzing taxonomic classifications and conducting field surveys to identify new species. While an exact count is difficult, estimates typically range from 500-600 species in the raptor family.
Defining the Raptor Family
The raptor family, known scientifically as Accipitridae, belongs to the order Accipitriformes. This order encompasses diurnal (active during the day) birds of prey, including eagles, buzzards, hawks, kites, and harriers. Owls are not included, as they belong to a separate order known as Strigiformes. Accipitridae is divided into five primary groups:
- Accipitrinae – True hawks, including goshawks, sparrowhawks, and sharp-shinned hawks
- Buteoninae – Buzzard hawks like red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks
- Perninae – Specialized hunting hawks such as honey buzzards
- Elaninae – Kites, including swallow-tailed kites and black-shouldered kites
- Milvinae – Kites such as brahminy kites and black kites
These groups encompass all diurnal raptor species except falcons, which belong to the separate Falconidae family. When determining the number of raptors, taxonomists consider this formal scientific classification.
Major Types of Raptors
Within the raptor family’s scientific classification, there are numerous common types of raptors found around the world:
Eagles
Eagles are large, powerfully built raptors with strong, hooked talons and large, curved beaks. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and prey on fish, small mammals, and even large animals. Species include the bald eagle, golden eagle, and harpy eagle.
Hawks
Hawks are medium-sized raptors adept at catching prey on the wing. There are many hawk species worldwide, including the widespread red-tailed hawk and tiny, agile sparrowhawk. Hawks prey on small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Kites
Kites are graceful, agile raptors recognizable by their forked tails and aerial hunting skills. They prey mostly on insects and carrion. Types include black kites and swallow-tailed kites.
Buzzards
Buzzards are large raptors that soar and glide while hunting. They are scavengers that feed mainly on carrion. Common buzzards around the world include the European common buzzard and red-tailed buzzards.
Vultures
Scavenging vultures have bare heads, weak feet, and large wingspans. They feast exclusively on carrion and are known for their group foraging behavior. Well-known vulture species include the turkey vulture and king vulture.
Harriers
Slender harriers are medium-sized raptors with owl-like facial discs that help them locate prey. The most widespread species is the northern harrier. Other harriers include pallid harriers and cinereous harriers.
These major groups encompass most raptor species, excluding specialized types like ospreys, secretary birds, and snake eagles.
Estimating Total Species
Determining the precise number of raptor species is challenging for several reasons:
- New species are still being discovered by researchers, especially in biodiverse tropical regions.
- Taxonomic classifications frequently change as new information comes to light.
- Some species are difficult to detect and study in the wild.
- Subspecies designations differ between taxonomic authorities.
While cataloguing every single species is difficult, some major authorities provide estimates on total raptor species worldwide:
| Authority | Estimated Total Raptor Species |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | 537 |
| Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive | 583 |
| Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World | 559 |
These estimates put the total number of raptor species between 500 and 600 worldwide. More field research and taxonomic reviews will likely add newly identified species to this total over time.
Raptor Diversity by Region
While raptors live on every continent except Antarctica, species diversity varies by geographic region:
Africa
Africa is home to around 190 raptor species, including endemic types like the crowned eagle, African fish eagle, and grey kestrel. High diversity reflects extensive savanna, wetland, and forest habitats.
Asia
With large mountain ranges and tropical forests, Asia harbors around 160 raptor species. Many Asian species have restricted ranges, like the Philippine eagle and Blyth’s hawk-eagle.
Europe
Europe’s raptor diversity is lower at around 90 species, including widespread types like the common buzzard and Eurasian sparrowhawk. Raptor populations declined historically but are recovering.
North America
Around 80 raptor species inhabit North America, dominated by red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures. Despite lower diversity, raptor populations are robust.
Central & South America
Tropical forests produce high raptor diversity of 180-200 species in Central and South America. Harpy eagles, ornate hawk-eagles, and laughing falcons are found here.
Australasia
The Australasian region harbors about 110 raptor species, including the letter-winged kite and grey goshawk. Many forest-dwelling species are endangered.
Raptor diversity clearly tracks the availability of habitat and prey resources, resulting in higher counts in the tropics.
Most Diverse Raptor Groups
Within the scientific classification of raptors, some groups contain much higher species diversity than others:
Buzzards
The Buteoninae subfamily of buzzard hawks has the highest diversity with around 155 species. Widespread red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered buzzards account for much of this total.
Kites
Specialized kites in the Elaninae and Milvinae groups account for over 100 raptor species, especially in tropical regions like Asia and Africa.
Hawks
True hawks in the Accipitrinae subfamily add around 95 species, ranging from tiny sparrowhawks to huge goshawks.
Eagles
With 60-65 species, eagles are less diverse but widespread as apex predators. The snake-eagle and hawk-eagle groups add dozens more.
Harriers
Uncommon, owl-faced harriers number around 15 species globally. Most inhabit marshes and grasslands.
So while eagles get the most attention, lesser-known buzzards and kites actually make up a greater proportion of the raptors.
Conservation Status
Many raptor populations face threats from habitat loss, poaching, pesticides, and climate change:
- 26% of raptors are classified as near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
- 12% have declining populations.
- Forest-dwelling tropical raptors are most at risk worldwide.
However, research and conservation programs have helped stabilize some threatened raptors like bald eagles, Philippine eagles, and aplomado falcons. Continued habitat protection will be critical for maintaining global raptor populations.
Conclusion
Estimates place the total number of raptor species worldwide between 500-600, encompassing eagles, buzzards, kites, hawks, harriers, vultures, and other predatory birds. The highest diversity is found in the tropics, especially throughout Africa, Asia, and Central/South America due to expansive habitats like savannas and rainforests that support abundant prey. While taxonomic organization continues to evolve, buzzards, kites, and hawks appear to contain the most species. Many raptors still face conservation threats, but increased environmental protections offer hope for stabilizing populations of these majestic birds of prey around the world.
