Hawks, Kites and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes. Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are about 233 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Ireland plus one in Category D.
| Common name | Binomial | Status |
|---|---|---|
| European Honey-buzzard | Pernis apivorus | (A) |
| Red Kite | Milvus milvus | |
| Black Kite | Milvus migrans | (A) |
| White-tailed Eagle | Haliaeetus albicilla | (A, being reintroduced) |
| Bald Eagle | Haliaeetus leucocephalus | (A) |
| Eurasian Griffon | Gyps fulvus | (A) |
| Western Marsh-Harrier | Circus aeruginosus | |
| Hen Harrier | Circus cyaneus | |
| Montagu's Harrier | Circus pygargus | (A) |
| Pallid Harrier | Circus macrourus | (A) |
| Eurasian Sparrowhawk | Accipiter nisus | |
| Northern Goshawk | Accipiter gentilis | (A) |
| Eurasian Buzzard | Buteo buteo | |
| Rough-legged Buzzard | Buteo lagopus | (A) |
| Greater Spotted Eagle | Aquila clanga | (A) |
| Golden Eagle | Aquila chrysaetos | (A, being reintroduced) |
| Booted Eagle | Aquila pennatus | (Cat. D1) |
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Ireland
Famous quotes containing the word kites:
“The curse of hell upon the sleek upstart
That got the Captain finally on his back
And took the red red vitals of his heart
And made the kites to whet their beaks clack clack.”
—John Crowe Ransom (1888–1974)