General
What is a raptor?
Most people will recognize a raptor if they see one. Still there is no exact definition of what a raptor is. Often the term "raptor" includes the diurnal (active during the day) birds of prey like eagles, kites, buzzards and falcons. But also the nocturnal (active during the night) owls are often described as raptors. The distinction in diurnal and nocturnal is not very clear. Some of the diurnal raptors also hunt during dusk and dawn when owls are active too. Peregrine Falcons are known to hunt at night in cities where the light of the buildings provide enough light to see potential prey. Also several owls, for example the Short-eared Owl, are mostly active during the day. Scientists classify birds according to their relationship (see How are raptors classified? for details). When you look into a bird guide you will see that Owls are not next to raptors (at least in a good bird guide). The two groups are not closely related (see What is the difference between a raptor and an owl?). This FAQ covers the diurnal raptors, that is eagles, hawks, buzzards, kites, harriers, ospreys, vultures, New World vultures, the Secretary Bird and the falcons. Some like the New world Vultures are now no longer considered raptors but I still include them here because their appearance resembles raptors and many people still see them as raptors (see Are New World vultures raptors?).What is the difference between a raptor and an owl?
Owls (order Strigiformes) are sometmes also called raptors or birds of prey. They share some characteristics with raptors like the hooked bill, sharp talowns and feeding on other animals normally caught with their feet.But owls are not closely related to the raptos like eagles, kite or hawks. The latter group is now thought to be more closely related to storks and relatives whereas owls are more closely related to the nightjars. The fact that owls and raptors share some commom characteristics is know and convergent evolution, a process in which animals not closely related to each other have evolved similar traits to adapt to a similar way of living.
On sad characteristic that many owls and raptors share is the fact, that they are endangered due to human actions.
Are New World vultures raptors?
When you see a New World vulture like the impressive Andean Condor (Wingspan up to 320cm) or the very common Turkey Vulture you may think you are watching a raptor. And indeed, for many years have the New World vultures been considered members of the order Falconiformes. Only recently have they been separated from raptors like eagles and hawks. The American Ornithologist Union (AOU) now places the New World vultures (Family Cathartidae) into the Order Ciconiiformes. Other members of the Ciconiiformes are Ibises, Spoonbills, Herons, and Storks. Genetic Studies support this new classification. The New World vultures also share some anatomical and behavioral characteristics. For example both groups spray liquid excrement onto their legs. This behavior is known as urohydrois and is supposed to cool the birds during hot days through the evaporation of the excrements. This is not known in raptors. The New World vultures are not related to the so called Old World vultures like the Bearded Vulture or the Griffon Vulture. Old World vultures are "true" raptors and are placed in the order Falconiformes. There are several important differences between New World and Old World vultures. The latter for example build nests and some species (like the Griffon Vulture) bread in colonies. New World vultures do not nest in colonies and do not build nests. You may wonder why then both groups share some common similarities like feeding on carrion, have an unfeathered head (at least most of the Old World vultures), relatively week feet and show similar behavior when searching for food. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution, a term that describes the evolutionary development of similar traits among non related groups of animals (and plants) in order to adapt to similar environments. This is also why owls evolved a bill very similar to those of raptors (see What is the difference between a raptor and an owl?). There are currently seven species of New World raptors, all in the Americas. Three species live in North America. Two members, the California Condor and the Andean Condor have a wingspan larger than 3 Meters and are among the biggest birds in the world. The California Condor is also one of the most endangered birds in the world.How many raptor species are there?
The number depends on the source you read. Sometimes a species is split into two new ones as our understanding of raptors and raptor species advances. Example are the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Eastern Imperial Eagle which are now definitely considered to be two seperate species. The Lesser Spotted Eagle has also recently been split in the Lesser Spotted Eagle (the European species kept it's old name) and the Indian Spotted Eagle. At the moment, scientists recognize a little more than 300 species of raptors worldwide (including New World Vultures and Falcons). It is expected that some more species will be split into seperate species in the future as we learn more about them.How are raptors classified?
That question is not easy to answer. Simpley because there is no single answer. Experts still debate about the correct classification of raptors. Here is one example that is currently used by some experts:Order Ciciniiformes
Family: Cathartidae (New World vultures)Order Accipitriformes
Family: Pandionidae (Osprey, only one species)Family: Accipitridae (eagles, hawks, kites, harriers, Old World vultures)
Order Sagittariiformes
Family: Sagittariidae (Secretary Bird)Falconiformes
Family: Daptriidae (Caracaras)Family: Herpetotheridae (forest falcons)
Family: Falconidae (true falcos)
As I wrote, this is just one example of many. Another examples only uses the Order Falconiformes and put all raptors as suborders below Falconiformes.
The classification of raptors will definitely change in the future as we learn more about the relationships of those birds.
Is the Osprey an eagle?
The Osprey has the word "eagle" in it's name in many countries. In Germany the Osprey is known as "Fischadler", which means “Fish Eagle”. In Spain it is knows as “Aguila pescadora” which means “Fishing Eagle”. In some English speaking countries it is also called “Fish Hawk” or “Fish Eagle”.But the Osprey is not closely related to other eagles like the Golden Eagle or the Bald Eagle. In fact, the Osprey is often placed in it's own family Pandionidae in which it is the only species. There are several different schemes for the classification of raptors (See How are raptors classified).
The Osprey has several unique characteristics that no other raptor has like reversible outer toes which allows the bird to hold a fish with two toes in front and two from behind the fish. It also has small tubercules on it's feet which helps him to grasp it's wet and slippery prey.
How are falcons different from other raptors?
Falcons share several traits that put them somewhat seperat from other raptors like eagles or hawks. For example, falcons don't build nests (but Caracaras do!). Instead they use either cliff edges or nests by other big birds like hawks, eagles, stork and others. Falcons possess a notched bill (so called tomial tooth on the upper mandible and a corresponding notch on the lower mandible). They use that "tooth" to kill their prey by breaking the neck vertebrae of the prey species (eagles or hawks kill mostly with their talons). Falcons also have more pointed wings than other raptors. Falcons also have a small tubercle in the centre of each nostril.Raptor Description:
What are the main characteristics of an raptor?
Raptors are medium-size to very large birds. They all have a hooked bill, strong legs and sharp talons. The talons are used by many species for killing their prey. Most raptors are brown or have similar colors that helps them to stay hidden from their prey. They normally lack bright colors like intensive red, blue or yellow. Raptors feed on other animals, either caught by themselves, stolen from other raptors and birds or found as carrion (but see Do raptors only eat meat?. Raptors have one of the best eyesights on the animal world which is necessary to spot prey. Raptors are diurnal birds, hunting and searching for food during the daylight hours (Peregrins have been observed hunting during in the night in illuminated cities).What is the heaviest raptor?
The heaviest raptors are some large New World and Old World vultures. The Andean Condor can reach a weight up to 13.6kg, the California Condor up to around 10kg. The Cinereous Vulture of the Old World vultures can reach a weight up to 12.5kg and the Himalayan Griffon Vulture up to 12kg. That makes those species some of the heaviest flying birds (only some Pelicans, Swans and Bustard can reach even greater weights). Among the eagles, the Harpy Eagle can also reach up to 9kg. White-tailed Eagles can reach up to almost 7kg. Some female Golden Eagles also can reach 7kg. The huge Steller's Sea Eagle of Eastern Asia can weigh up to almost 9kg. The Philippine Eagle and the Martial Eagle from Africa reach up to 6kg.What is the smallest raptor?
The smallest raptors are the falconets of Southeast Asia. For example, the Black-thighed Falconet and the White-fronted Falconet are about 15cm long and weigh about 35g, which is about the same as a House Sparrow or a Great Tit.Other very small raptors include the Pygmy Falcon of africa (between 15cm and 20cm long) and the White-rumped Falcon of Southeast Asia.
The smallest raptor of Europe is the Merlin with a lenght of about 28-33cm and a weight between 155g and 220g (the females being bigger). In North Amercia, where the Merlin also occours, the American Kestrel is an even smaller raptor with a lenght of only 22-27cm and a weight between 100g and 150g.
What is the most powerful raptor?
It's hard to tell what the most powerful raptor is. Many consider the Harpy Eagle from Central and South America to be the most powerful raptor because it has the longest talons (much bigger than on a Golden Eagle) and very powerful feet. Other very powerful raptors include the African Crowned Eagle, the Martial and the Philippine Eagle. Some species of Sea Eagles are also very big and powerful birds. White-tailed Eagles, for example have attacked cranes and other big birds. Golden Eagles are able to kill foxes, chamois and and other mammals of similar size. Most of the time though, those powerful eagle species just mentioned go after smaller, medium sized prey like mammals and birds between 0.5 and 3 kilograms.The size of the bird alone is not always enough to tell how powerful a bird is. Eastern Imperial Eagles are only a little smaller than Golden Eagles, but the latter has much more powerful talons and feet.
What raptor has the greatest wingspan?
The raptors with the greatest wing span are the Old World vultures and New World vultures. The Andean Condor has a wingspan of about 320cm. The Eurasian Black Vulture (also known as Black Vulture, Monk Vulture, or Cinereous Vulture) has a wingspan up 295cm and the Himalayan Griffon Vulture has a wingspan of about 270cm (some sources say up to 310cm).Beside the vultures, some eagles also have a huge wingspan. The White-tailed Eagle of Europe and north Asia has a wingspan up to 245cm. The heavier and even a little bigger Steller's Sea Eagle has about the same wingspan. Golden Eagles have up to 230cm, The Martial Eagle from Africa up to 220 and the Harpy Eagle from Central and South America also up to 200cm.
For some birds there are different wingspans depending which source you read. Also there may have been some overstatements for some birds.
The wingspan alone is not always the best hint on the size of the bird. The Harpy Eagle (by many considered the most powerful raptor in the world) has a smaller wingspan than a Golden Eagle, but femals can reach a weight up to about 10kg and a height of 102cm which is more than in Golden Eagles.
What is the exact definition of an eagle?
The is no exact scientific definition of an eagle. Often the word "eagle" has been used to descripe particularly big raptors. The Eagle Conservation Alliance currently recognizes about 74 eagle species. That does not include the Osprey (see Is the Osprey and eagle.The eagles are devided into the following groups:
- Snake eagles (22 species)
- Harpy eagles (6 species)
- Aquila eagles (14 species)
- Hawk eagles (21 species)
- Martial eagle (1 species)
- Fish eagles (10 species)
What is the difference between a buzzard and a hawk?
How did raptors evolve?
What are the raptors nearest relative?
What is the fastest raptor?
How do raptors fly?
What is the difference between falcons and other raptors?
Why are female raptors larger than males in most species?
How good is the eyesight of raptors?
Do raptors have a good sense of smell?
For a long time, it was believed that birds do not have a very good sense of smell. But during recent years scientists have found that some birds do have a much better sense of smell than previously thought. Those includes some raptors, especially the New World Vultures. New World Vultures often forage over dense woodlands (in contrast to the Old World Vultures) which often makes it difficult to see dead animals. In those circumstances a well developed sense of smell can be a hugh advantage. Turkey Vultures (and some other New World Vultures) have a olfactory bulb (the part of the brain that is responsible for receiving input from smell receptors) that is much larger than in most other birds. Turkey Vultures are able to smell the gases that are produced by freshly dead animals.Not all New World Vultures have those capabilities. For example, California Condors, Black Vultures or King Vultures lack the well developed sense of smell of the Turkey Vulture. They often follow the Turkey Vultures once that species has found carrion.
Most other raptors like eagles or hawks don't have such a good sense of the smell as the Turkey Vulture, relying much more in their eyesight.
How well do raptors hear?
Most raptors probably have quite good hearing capabilities. Evidence for this comes from the fact that many raptors are quite vocal and often use calls to communicate with their partners or other raptors. Also raptors often fly away when they hear a loud sound.Compared to humans, raptors normally hear only in a smaller frequency range.
Harriers have probably one of the best senses of hearing among all raptors. This comes from the way most harriers hunt. Species like the Northern Harrier of North America or the Hen Harrier of Eurasia hunt small mammals and birds flying over open areas. But small prey, especially mammals of often hard to see in the dense vegetation. Scientists have found out that harriers are able to hear their prey. They have a facial disk similar to most owls which helps to transmit sounds to the ears.
Habitats:
Where do raptors live?
Raptors live on all continents except Antarctica. They are one of the most successful groups of birds. Some raptor species have an almost global distribution while others occur only on one small Island. The Peregrine Falcon is an example for a raptor with a global distribution. It breeds on all continents except Antarctica. The Osprey also has a global distribution. Until not so long ago it was known to breed on all continents except Antarctica and South America. But recently nests have been found in the north of South America where it was until recently only known as a migrant during winter and a place where young Ospreys spend their life before breeding and returning back to North America. The Mauritius Kestrel on the other hand has a very limited distribution and occurs only on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The Gyrfalcon, the most powerful falcon of the world has a much wider distribution than the Mauritius Kestrel, but only breeds in the very north of the Northern Hemisphere. The Spanish Imperial Eagle occurs only on the Iberian Peninsula with only a few pairs in Portugal and the rest of the small population (about 220 breeing pairs in 2006) in Spain.In which habitat do raptors live?
Raptors are able to live in almost all kinds of habitat from the coast to the densest jungles. Of course there is no species that can live in all habitats and many raptor species are limited to some or only one type of habitat. Birds like the Osprey can only live near water because they feed almost exclusively on fish. Other fish eaters like the White-tailed Eagle also feed on birds (mostly waterfowl and seabirds), mammals and carrion. That does not bind them as strong to water as the Osprey, but still they are found most often close to water. Many raptors prefer open countries mixed with forests or at least some trees where they can build there nests. Cliffs may be a substitute to trees for some species.Common Buzzards for example prefer to hunt in open terrain but often build their next in a forest ( normally close the the edge of the forst). Eurasian Sparrowhakws (and related species in many places all over the world) are capable of hunting in forests, often feeding primarily on small birds. Bigger raptors like some large eagles like the Golden Eagle or the Martial Eagle of Africa or too big to hunt in dense forests and prefer open habitat for hunting.
Which habitat has the highest numbers of raptors?
Behavior:
Do raptors clean themselves?
Do raptors sleep?
Breeding:
How many eggs do raptors lay?
Do raptors mate for live?
Is there polygamy in raptors?
Do raptors sing like songbirds?
What is undulating flight?
Do raptors breed every year?
Most raptors breed every year. But this depends on how much food is available or if a mate is available (the other mate might have died since the last breeding attempt). Smaller species with a shorter lifespan are under more pressure to breed every year than longer lived species. Big eagles like the Golden Eagle may not breed every year depending on the local circumstances. Raptors who feed mostly on small mammals with strong population fluctuations (like Common Buzzards feeding on voles) may not breed if it's a bad year for their main prey.Some very big eagles like the Harpy Eagle only breed every two or three years. The chick of the Harpy Eagle needs about 5-6 months to leave the next and it's parents continue to provide food for another 8-10 months. This is too long for the birds to breed every year. Because of the resulting very low reproduction rate of the Harpy Eagle, conservation if that magnificent bird needs a lot of time, as reduced populations need many years to recover.
What is philopatry?
Migration:
What raptors migrate?
How far do raptors migrate?
When do raptors migrate?
How do raptors find their way?
How fast do raptors migrate?
Do raptors feed during migration?
Food:
What do raptors eat?
Do raptors eat only meat?
Are only vultures scavengers?
No. Many raptors feed on carion. Some species depend heavy on it during the winter. Carion is often easier to get than live prey. For example, Golden Eagles in the Alps will feed on dead chamois or deer during the winter when available. They will also hunt but due to shorter days and some of their prey hibernating, they may not be able to kill enough live prey. Especially young eagles who are not yet as experienced hunters as the adults will often starve if they can't find enough carrion. The same is true for many other eagles species like Bald Eagles, White-tailed Eagles or Spanish Imperial Eagles. Crested Caracaras often feed on carrion, too. Many Buteo species like the Common Buzzard or the Red-tailed Hawk also search for carrion, especially during winter.Raptors also profit from big predetors like Wolves or big cats. In Yellowstone National Park, you can often see Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles feeding of wolf kills.
How do raptors capture their prey?
Do raptors always hunt alone?
Do raptors hunt dangerous prey?
How much food does a raptor need?
How do raptors hunt their prey?
Do some raptors hunt on foot
Do raptors hunt in woodland?
How do raptors find their food?
What is the crop?
Do young raptors have to learn how to hunt?
Do raptors steel food from other raptors and other birds?
What are pellets?
Raptor interaction with other birds and animals:a
Do raptors fight each other?
Do raptors eat other raptors?
Do raptors and owls get along?
Do raptors have enemies?
Although most raptors are powerful birds, many species may still be killed by other raptors or other animals. Eurasian Sparrowhawks can become prey of Northern Goshawks. Other raptors like common Buzzards, Eurasian Kestrels or Red Kites have also been killed by Northern Goshawks. The Golden Eagle may also kill smaller raptors. The Eagle Owl of Eurasia or the Great Horned Owl of the Americas are capable of killing raptors. The Eagle Owl is known for preying on both the young and adult Peregrine Falcons, especially if both species are breeding close to each other. Eagle owls also have killed Red Kites, Goshawks, young and adult Bonelli's Eagle and there is even at least one case from Spain where an Eagle Owl killed a young (but already able to fly) Golden Eagle. Some raptors also fight over nesting places or food and so may kill each other, although normally the weaker on leaves before getting seriously injured. Golden Eagles are know for the strong territoriality and sometimes engage in heavy fights which may leave the loosing bird heavily injured or dead. The most vulnerable raptors are the young one that are still in the nest. They depend completely on their parents for protection (at least until they are almost fully grown). Goshawks for example are known to kill youngs of other raptors in their nest. In Spain, both Eagle Owls and Golden Eagles have killed large nestlings of the Egyptian Vulture. Ground nesting birds like the harries are especially vulnerable to the predation by mammals like foxes, boars, coyotes and other mammals. In Africa even the powerful African Crowned Eagle (Africa's most powerful eagle) may loose it's chicks to mammals like Leopards or Baboons (unnaturally high Baboon populations have become a real conservation problem for Crowned Eagles in some parts of Africa). In Europe Pine Martens may kill the nestlings of raptors.The most deadly enemy for most raptors nowadays are humans. See the chapter on conservation for more about this.
Conservation
What are the rarest raptors in Europe?
Of all the European raptors, the one with the smallest world population is the Spanish Imperial Eagle with a population of about 220 breeding pairs in 2006. The population was smaller than 50 breeding pairs some decades ago, but fortunately the population has increased due to conservation efforts (like modifying power poles). Still many eagles die because of human causes (electrocution, illegal poisoning and sometimes even shooting). Another very rare European raptor is the Greater Spotted Eagle with a European population probably below 1.000 pairs, with the biggest population in Russia. Reasons for the decline of that species included pesticides, habitat destruction and illegal persecution. It's close relative, the Lesser Spotted Eagle is not that rare, but also threatened across most of it's distribution in Europe. The population of both species of Spotted Eagles increases only slowly, even when fully protected, as they raise almost always only one young every year (if the breeding attempt is successful). Both species are migratory and also face illegal persecution along their way to their wintering areas.The rarest falcon of Europe is the Lanner Falcon. This species occurs mostly in Africa. The European population is only about 250 pairs with Italy holding the majority of them. Another very rare raptor in Europe is the Bearded vulture with a stable populations currently only in the Pyrenees. A reintroduction program to the Alps has gone from strength to strength with 10 young vultures in 2007.
What are the rarest raptors in North America?
What are the rarest raptors in the world?
What are the most common raptors in Europe?
The most common raptor in Europe is the Common Buzzard. It can be found almost everywhere in Europe, except for the very northern parts and most parts of Ireland. The current European population is about 1.000.000 breeding pairs. This is just a rough number as the population is dependent on voles in many areas. When vole numbers go down, so will the buzzard population. Local population can also suffer from cold and long winters. The countries with the highest populations are Germany, Poland, Great Britain, France and the European part of Russia. Another common raptor in Europe is the Eurasian Kestrel with a population of more than 400.000 breeding pairs and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk with around 400.000 pairs.What is the most common raptor in North America?
The most common raptor of North America is the Turkey Vulture. During the autumn when the vultures migrate south to South American, up to 2.000.000 (with more than 2.600.000 in 2002) in Veracruz, Mexico. Two other common raptors in North America are the American Kestrel and the Red-tailed Hawk. Both are distributed over much of North America and are a common sights in many places. The Broad-winged hawk is a common raptor in eastern North America living on forests. In the western part of North America the Swainson's Hawk is not uncommon in some areas. Autumn counts in Veracruz are around 1.000.000 for that species.What are the most common raptors in the world?
What are the main threats to raptors?
Do raptors suffer from wind farms?
Are raptors still persecuted?
Unfortunately yes. In many parts of the world raptors are still seen as competition to people and are deliberately killed. Raptors often get in conflict with humans when they are hunting game birds that are important for the local hunting industry. In Scotland, for example, grouse hunting is very popular and a lot of money is involved. Some raptors like Hen Harries or Golden Eagles are still illegally persecuted because they are known to kill grouse. The birds are shot are poisoned. Poisoning is a real problem for many raptors. In Austria there have been several cases of poisoned White-tailed Eagles and also of Eastern Imperial Eagles. In Spain Red Kites, Golden and Spanish Imperial Eagles, among others, suffer from poisoning. Sometimes the raptors are the main target of the poison, sometimes they fall victim to poison that was destined to kill foxes, wolves or other mammals.Raptors that kill racing pigeons like Northern Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons or Bonelli's Eagle are sometimes persecuted (through poisoning, shooting or nest destruction) by the pigeon owners.
In some places raptors are just shot for sport hunting or plain “fun”. This is illegal in most places but often it is hard to find the perpetrators.
Are there any raptor conservation organizations?
What can I do to help raptor conservation?
Watching raptors
What do I need to watch raptors?
If you are a bird watcher, then you probably already have everything that is needed for watching raptors. Because raptors are often shy and stay away from humans they are often seen from a considerable distance. So a pair of binoculars is absolutely essentials for watching raptors (and in fact most other birds as well). You do not have to spend 1.500 Euros/Dollars and get some of the fancy binoculars many birders use. Of course, those binoculars are normally of extremely high quality but a cheaper brand normally is enough, especially when you are just starting to watch raptors (That said, I love my Leica binoculars). They should have a magnification between 7x and 10x. Above 10x they are hard to hold still (some manufacturers offer binoculars with image stabilization which you can handhold with a magnification up to 18x or 20x). Beside a pair of binoculars an identification guide is very important, because you normally also want to know which kind of raptor you are seeing. There are several very good bird guides available that cover all birds of a particular region. You should definitely get on of those guides if you not already own one. But many raptors are hard to identify (for example the Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagle of Eastern Europe are very hard to separate) and many raptors, especially the buzzards have a great variability in plumage. For that reason you may also want to buy a guide that covers only the raptors of a specific reason. Those guides (if good) show the different plumages a raptor has until it reaches adulthood (which can be 5 years in large eagles). Age identification can be very interesting (and fun!) but without a special guide you will be lost with many species. See my book reviews page for some suggestions on good raptor identification books.Do I need a spotting scope?
A spotting scope is very helpful for watching raptors and I suggest that you find a good one if you not already own one. Raptors are often so far away, that a pair of binoculars is not enough to get a good view of the bird and you will often not be able to identify it. Even if a raptor is close, a spotting scope will give you a much better view of the bird and you will see much more plumage details and often get a better insight into the life of the raptor (for example what prey it captured).In some situations a spotting scope has drawbacks to a pair of binoculars. With binoculars you are faster to focus on a birds, especially when you are trying to follow a flying bird. When you are on a long or complicated hike, carrying a spotting scope and the tripod that is necessary for the scope is often a heavy burden.
But for most situations a spotting scope is a real benefit for watching raptors and I suggest that you get both a good pair of binoculars and a good spotting scope if you are serious about watching raptors (or birds in general).
Where do I have to go to see raptors?
That depends on what species you want to see. You should find at least some raptors species around your house. Even in cities you can find raptors like Eurasian Kestrels or Eurasian Sparrowhawks. In North America you can also find some raptors breeding in cities or close to them. If you go to the countryside you will find more raptor species, that often hunt for voles other other small mammals there. Normally you shouldn't have difficulties to find at least some species of raptors around the place where you live. If you want to see more species, including rare or spectacular ones, you may have to travel, unless you are lucky enough to live close to some of those species. For example, if you want to see the Spanish Imperial Eagle you have to go to Spain as it only occurs there (and a couple of pairs in Portugal). If you want to see the African Crowned Eagle you have to go to Africa south of the Sahara and even then you should carefully plan your trip to really find the bird you are looking for.But take my advice and do not neglect the common species like the Common Buzzard in Europa or the Red-tailed Hawk in North America. Although it is impressive to see for example, a huge White-tailed Eagle, you may not have the chance to see them every week or day. Common Buzzards for example show some interesting behavior and can give you great views, for example when chased be crows and when showing their impressive display flights. You can learn a lot about raptors by watching the more common species and become very confident in identifying them. When you then spot a rarer species (like a wintering Rough-tailed Hawk from Scandinavia) you will faster recognize that it is a different species.
How can I learn more about raptor identification?
There are several ways to improve your raptor identification skills. You can buy some special field guides that cover only raptors. Those books explain difficult species in much more detail than field guides covering all bird species. (See my book reviews page for some suggestions). If you are just starting watching raptors (or birds in general) you should definitely also get a book that covers all the birds so you can tell raptors from the other birds in your region (for example a beginner can easily confuse a Common Cuckoo with an Eurasian Sparrowhawk).Another thing you can do is to participate in birding forums on the Internet. There you can ask questions about raptor identification or help others to identify difficult birds (that can be a very good exercise).
Some companies offer raptor watching tours. On those tours you can often see many different species and a good tour guide can teach you a lot about raptor identification. Some raptors are quite vocal, especially during the breeding season. Learn their calls. Some species, especially those living in dense forest are sometimes heard before they are seen. The most important thing, though, is to practice as much as you can in the field. The more you are out there actually seeing the birds, the more will become familiar with them. Try to learn everything you can about the identification of common species (like the Red-tailed Hawk in North America or the Common Buzzard in Europe). That will help you to recognize other species more easily. If you have seen and studied the flight of the Eurasian Kestrel in detail, you will recognize immediately that the flight of a Eurasian Hobby is different when you see your first one.