Predatory birds, also known as birds of prey or raptors, refer to species that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates. There are many different types of predatory birds found all around the world, comprising a highly diverse group in terms of size, appearance, habitat, and hunting techniques. When predatory birds are seen together in a group, they are collectively referred to by specific terms that describe their grouping.
Main Types of Predatory Birds
There are several main types or families of predatory birds:
Falcons
Falcons are medium to large sized raptors with long, pointed wings and swift flight. They are adept at hunting other birds in mid-air and feed almost exclusively on other avian species. Examples include the peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, and merlin.
Hawks
Hawks are medium to large raptors that primarily hunt small mammals, other birds, and reptiles. They have broad, rounded wings and variety of hunting styles and preferences for prey. Examples include the red-tailed hawk, Harris’s hawk, and northern goshawk.
Eagles
Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey with heavy heads and large, hooked beaks. They have broad wingspans and hunt over large territories. Eagles feed on fish, small mammals and sometimes carrion. Examples include the bald eagle and golden eagle.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal and crepuscular raptors with large, forward-facing eyes and feathered, rounded bodies. They employ stealthy hunting techniques and feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Examples include the great horned owl, snowy owl and barn owl.
Vultures
Vultures are scavenging birds that feed mainly on carrion. They have bald heads, weak feet, and large wingspans. Because they do not typically hunt live prey, vultures are sometimes excluded from the predatory bird group. Examples include the turkey vulture and king vulture.
Osprey
The osprey is a medium-large raptor that feeds almost exclusively on fish. It is the only living species in its family. Ospreys have angular wings, dense plumage, and reversible outer toes that help them grasp slippery fish.
Names for Groups of Predatory Birds
There are specific terms used to describe flocks, colonies, and other groupings of predatory birds:
Kettle
A kettle refers to a flock of raptors, such as hawks, eagles or vultures, that are observed circling in the air above. The kettle may form as part of a thermal updraft or coordinated hunting strategy.
Wake
A wake describes a group of vultures in flight or feeding together, often on a carcass. It refers to the vultures “waiting” for carrion.
Convocation
A convocation is defined as a gathering of eagles. It can refer to a group in flight, roosting, or feeding together.
Parliament
A parliament refers to a group of owls, such as barn owls gathered together in a roosting or nesting area.
Cast
A cast refers to a group of falcons, such as peregrine falcons, that have gathered to feed on a kill.
Committee
A committee describes a group of vultures that are feeding together at a carcass. It may also refer to a group of vultures resting in trees or on structures.
Colony
Some predatory birds, including bald eagles, nest, roost and feed in colonies. The groups living together are referred to as a colony.
Term | Bird Type | Definition |
---|---|---|
Kettle | Hawks, eagles, vultures | Flock circling in flight |
Wake | Vultures | Group feeding on carcass |
Convocation | Eagles | Flock gathered together |
Parliament | Owls | Roosting or nesting group |
Cast | Falcons | Group feeding on a kill |
Committee | Vultures | Group at carcass or perched |
Colony | Bald eagles | Nesting and roosting group |
Origin of the Group Terms
The specific terms used to describe groups of predatory birds originate from their habits, appearances, or human associations:
- Kettle refers to the soaring circular flight pattern of the birds, resembling the motion of smoke rising from a fire.
- Wake describes vultures waiting patiently for their meal.
- Convocation references a formal or religious gathering, matching the regal nature of eagles.
- Parliament links owls to the wise gatherings of human leaders.
- Cast reflects how falcons cast or fling themselves at prey.
- Committee humorously associates vultures with a structured human organization.
- Colony describes the semi-social lifestyle of some raptors.
These descriptive terms have been used in falconry and birding for centuries, becoming part of the established vocabulary around predatory birds. The specific names help distinguish the different groupings and behaviors of raptors.
Regional Variations in Terminology
While the terms described above are used commonly, there can be some regional variations in the vocabulary used to describe predatory bird groups:
Europe
In Europe, a group of buzzards is sometimes called a “brace”, while a group of sparrowhawks may be referred to as a “gleaning”.
India
In India, a group of kites is sometimes called a “filth” of kites.
North America
Some North American terms include a “cord” of goshawks or a “hareem” of harriers or hawks.
Australia
Australian English refers to a group of wedge-tailed eagles specifically as an “aerodrome”.
So while the most common universal terms are used widely, local dialects may offer some variations in how predatory bird groups are named. However, kettle, convocation, parliament, and other terms are found globally.
Conclusion
Groups of predatory birds, which come in many different forms and families around the world, are known by specific descriptive terms. These help distinguish between raptors spotted together in flight, feeding, or at rest. Some key terms include kettle, wake, convocation, parliament, cast, committee, and colony. These names reflect the appearance, habits, or human associations of the birds. While some regional variation occurs, the most common standard terminology is widely used and understood globally when describing any gathering of hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, or vultures.