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 large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. In South Carolina, 15 species have been recorded as well as one hypothetical species.
- Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus
- White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucurus
- Snail Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
- 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
- Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged Hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Short-tailed Hawk, Buteo brachyurus (H)
- Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of South Carolina