Hawks and Eagles
Accipitridae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Accipitridae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The Crowned Eagle displays remarkable agility, particularly in dense forest environments. Its ability to manoeuvre through thick canopies with precision, coupled with its spectacular aerial displays during courtship, demonstrates exceptional flight skills and dexterity.
With the largest talons of any African eagle and the capacity to carry prey up to its own body weight, the Crowned Eagle exhibits extraordinary strength. Its ability to take down medium-sized mammals, including young leopards and small antelopes weighing up to 20 kg, further attests to its formidable physical power.
Buzzards exhibit exceptional adaptability, thriving in various habitats from sea level to 2,00 metres elevation. Their opportunistic diet, ranging from small mammals to carrion, and their ability to adjust to different environments, including human-altered landscapes, demonstrates their highly adaptive nature.
As an apex predator capable of taking prey as large as young leopards, the Crowned Eagle demonstrates high levels of aggression in hunting. Its powerful build and hunting strategy, combined with its role as a top predator in its ecosystem, reflect its aggressive nature, particularly when pursuing prey or defending territory.
The Cinereous Vulture exhibits exceptional endurance, capable of soaring for hours on thermal currents whilst searching vast areas for food. Its ability to digest rotting meat, thanks to highly corrosive stomach acid, and its long lifespan of up to 39 years in the wild, further attest to its remarkable stamina and resilience.
