Hawks, Kites, and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes. Family: Accipitridae
The family Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. In North Carolina, 14 species have been recorded.
- Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus
- White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucurus (R)
- Snail Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis (R)
- Mississippi Kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
- Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperii
- Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis
- Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus
- Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo platypterus
- Swainson's Hawk, Buteo swainsoni (R)
- Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged Hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of North Carolina