Examples of birds with talons include eagles, kites, vultures, osprey, and hawks.
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a group of birds that are characterized by their sharp talons and powerful beaks. These birds are at the top of the food chain, and they play an important role in the animal kingdom.
There are many different species of raptors, and each one has its own unique characteristics. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most common types of birds with talons. We will discuss their habitat, diet, and behavior.
Examples of Birds with Talons
1. African Fish Eagle
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus vocifer |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | sub-Saharan Africa |
The African fish eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. This raptor has a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and it typically weighs between 4 and 8 pounds. The African fish eagle is a predator, and its diet consists mainly of fish. However, this bird will also eat reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
Related Article: 25 Birds that Nest in Trees
2. American Kestrel
| Scientific Name | Falco sparverius |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | throughout the Western Hemisphere from Alaska and Canada to southernmost South America |
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small falcon that is native to North America. These birds are about the size of a blue jay, and they have long, pointed wings. Their plumage is typically orange and white, with black streaks on the wings.
Kestrels can be found in open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields. These birds hunt small mammals, reptiles, and insects. Kestrels are the most common type of bird of prey in North America.
3. Andean Condor
| Scientific Name | Vultur gryphus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | much of the Andes Mountain range along the Pacific coast region of western South America |
The Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world. These massive birds have a wingspan of up to 3 meters (10 feet), and they can weigh up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Andean condors are found in the mountains of South America, and they typically live at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 meters (6,500 and 13,000 feet).
Andean condors are scavengers, and they primarily feed on the carcasses of dead animals. These birds are also known to eat reptiles, rodents, and even small mammals.
4. Australian Raven
| Scientific Name | Corvus coronoides |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | much of southern and northeastern Australia |
The Australian raven is a large bird of prey that is found in Australia and New Guinea. These birds are black with a white throat, and they have a wingspan of up to four feet.
Australian ravens are omnivorous, and they will eat just about anything they can find. These birds are known to be aggressive, and they will often attack other animals, including humans.
5. Bald Eagle
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico |
The bald eagle is a large bird of prey that is native to North America. These birds are most commonly found near bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers. Bald eagles typically eat fish, but they will also hunt other animals, such as rabbits and squirrels.
Bald eagles are known for their impressive hunting skills. They have sharp talons and beaks that they use to kill their prey. These birds are also known for their powerful wings, which allow them to soar through the air at high speeds.
6. Barbary Falcon
| Scientific Name | Falco pelegrinoides |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North and East Africa (Algeria, the Canary Islands, Egypt, Eritrea, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Somalia and Tunisia) |
The Barbary Falcon is a small raptor that is found in the deserts of North Africa. These birds are known for their aggressive nature, and they are often used in falconry.
The Barbary Falcon has a wingspan of about 3 feet, and it weighs between 1 and 2 pounds. These birds are brown and white, with a black stripe running down their back.
Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as rodents and lizards. However, they will also eat birds, snakes, and insects.
7. Barn Owl
| Scientific Name | Tyto alba |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North America, South America, Europe, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia |
The barn owl is a type of raptor that is found in many different parts of the world. These birds are nocturnal, and they prefer to live in areas with plenty of trees. Barn owls have long, sharp talons that they use to catch their prey. Their diet consists primarily of small mammals, such as mice and voles.
8. Barred Owl
| Scientific Name | Strix varia |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | southwestern Canada, Washington, Oregon and northern California |
The barred owl is a medium-sized owl that is found in North America. These owls are nocturnal, and they prefer to live in forests. Barred owls hunt small mammals, such as mice and voles.
9. Bearded Vulture
| Scientific Name | Gypaetus barbatus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | almost all mountain ranges of southern Europe and the Alps |
The Bearded Vulture is a large raptor that can be found in the mountains of Europe, Asia, and Africa. These birds have brown and white feathers, and they are easily recognizable by their long necks and red beaks. Bearded Vultures feed on carrion, and they often use their powerful beaks to crack open bone.
10. Black Eagle
| Scientific Name | Ictinaetus malaiensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | tropical and subtropical Asia |
The black eagle is a large bird of prey that can be found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. These birds are mainly scavengers, and they feed on carrion. Black eagles typically nest in trees, and they often hunt in pairs.
11. Black Kite
| Scientific Name | Milvus migrans |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | tropical portions of Australasia, Eurasia, and Africa |
The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in many parts of the world. This raptor has a wingspan of about four feet, and it typically weighs between two and four pounds.
The black kite is a scavenger, and it feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. This bird is often seen hovering over open areas in search of food.
12. Black Vulture
| Scientific Name | Coragyps atratus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | from the northeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America |
The Black Vulture is a large bird of prey that is found in the Americas. These birds have black plumage, and their head is bald. They are scavengers, and they often feed on the carcasses of animals.
13. Booted Eagle
| Scientific Name | Hieraaetus pennatus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | the Palearctic and southern Asia, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia, with a small, disjunct breeding population in south-western Africa |
The booted eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This raptor has a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet), and it typically preys on small mammals and Birds.
14. Common Buzzard
| Scientific Name | Buteo buteo |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean |
The common buzzard is a large bird of prey that can be found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. These birds are most commonly found in woodlands and forest edges. They have a wingspan of up to 2 meters, and they weigh between 1-2 kg.
Common buzzards typically eat rodents, rabbits, snakes, and lizards. However, they will also eat birds, eggs, and carrion.
15. Crowned Eagle
| Scientific Name | Stephanoaetus coronatus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Africa |
The crowned eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Africa. These birds have brown and white plumage, and they are known for their powerful talons. Crowned eagles typically live in forests, and they hunt small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
16. Eastern Screech Owl
| Scientific Name | Megascops asio |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic |
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl that is found in the eastern United States. These owls have gray or brown plumage, and they are known for their distinctive “screech” call.
Screech owls typically live in forests, and they hunt small mammals such as mice and voles. These owls are nocturnal, and they roost during the day.
17. Egyptian Vulture
| Scientific Name | Neophron percnopterus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India |
The Egyptian vulture is a large bird of prey that is found in Africa and Asia. These birds have a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, and they weigh between 4 and 6 kilograms. Egyptian vultures are mostly scavengers, and they feed on carrion.
These birds make their nests in trees, and they typically lay two eggs. Egyptian vultures are not considered to be endangered, but their numbers are declining.
18. Forest Raven
| Scientific Name | Corvus tasmanicus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Tasmania |
The forest Raven is a large bird of prey that is found in forests around the world. These Birds are black in color, and they have a wingspan of up to four feet. Forest Ravens are known for their loud calls, and they are often seen swooping down on their prey and grabbing it using their sharp talons.
19. Golden Eagle
| Scientific Name | Aquila chrysaetos |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Mexico through much of western North America as far north as Alaska |
The golden eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey. They are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. These eagles have a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and they can weigh up to 15 pounds. Golden eagles typically live in mountainous regions, where they hunt for small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels.
20. Great Horned Owl
| Scientific Name | Bubo virginianus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | practically all habitats in North America |
The great horned owl is a large bird of prey that is found in North and South America. These owls are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Great horned owls have sharp talons and beaks that they use to hunt small animals such as rodents and birds.
21. Grey Falcon
| Scientific Name | Falco hypoleucos |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Australia |
The grey falcon is a large bird of prey that is found in the deserts of North America. These birds have long, powerful legs, and they are equipped with sharp talons. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as mice and rabbits.
22. Griffon Vulture
| Scientific Name | Gyps fulvus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Senegal, Gambia and Mali in the west, to Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia in the east |
The griffon vulture is a large bird of prey that can be found in Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. These birds have a wingspan of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet), and they weigh between 4 and 5 kilograms (8.8-11 pounds). Griffon vultures are scavengers, and they feed on the carcasses of dead animals.
23. Gyrfalcon
| Scientific Name | Falco rusticolus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | arctic tundra |
The gyrfalcon is the largest member of the falcon family. These birds are native to the arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Gyrfalcons are apex predators, and they primarily prey on other birds.
Gyrfalcons have long, pointed wings, and they are able to reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour when they are in flight. These birds typically mate for life, and they build their nests on cliffs or in trees.
24. Harpy Eagle
| Scientific Name | Harpia harpyja |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | South America, in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and northeast Argentina |
The Harpy Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. This raptor has a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and it can weigh up to 20 pounds. The Harpy Eagle preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds. It uses its powerful talons to kill its prey.
25. Indian Vulture
| Scientific Name | Gyps indicus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | southeastern Pakistan and India |
The Indian vulture is a large bird of prey that is found in the Indian subcontinent. These birds have a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, and they weigh between 4 and 8 kg. Indian vultures are scavengers, and they feed on the carcasses of dead animals.
26. King Vulture
| Scientific Name | Sarcoramphus papa |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | southern Mexico to southern Argentina |
The king vulture is a large bird of prey that is found in the tropical regions of the Americas. These birds have black plumage with white patches on their wings and tail. They are scavengers, and they primarily feed on carrion.
27. Long-Eared Owl
| Scientific Name | Asio otus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North and East Africa, the Azores, and the Canary Islands |
The long-eared owl is a type of raptor that is found in wooded areas across the Northern Hemisphere. These owls get their name from their long ear tufts, which are actually feathers. Long-eared owls are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. During the day, these birds roost in trees.
28. Martial Eagle
| Scientific Name | Polemaetus bellicosus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | sub-Saharan Africa |
The Martial Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Africa. This eagle has a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and it can weigh up to 15 pounds. The Martial Eagle is a top predator, and it feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
29. Merlin
| Scientific Name | Falco columbarius |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | forested openings, edges, and along rivers across northern North America |
The merlin is a small bird of prey that is found in the northern hemisphere. These birds are known for their dark plumage and their long, pointed tails. Merlins typically live in open areas such as grasslands, meadows, and forests. They hunt small animals such as rodents, reptiles, and insects using their talons.
30. Northern Goshawk
| Scientific Name | Accipiter gentilis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | North America, Europe, northwestern Africa, continental Asia, and Japan |
The Northern Goshawk is a large bird of prey that can be found in wooded areas across the Northern Hemisphere. These birds are very powerful, and they have been known to kill animals as large as deer.
Goshawks typically nest in trees, and they build their nests out of sticks and twigs. These birds hunt by perching in trees and waiting for their prey to come within range. Once they spot an animal, they will swoop down and grab it with their sharp talons.
More Examples Of Birds With Talons
- Osprey
- Peregrine Falcon
- Prairie Falcon
- Red Kite
- Red-Backed Hawk
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Saker Falcon
- Snowy Owl
- Steppe Eagle
- Turkey Vulture
- Wedge-Tailed Eagle
- White-Necked Raven
- White-Tailed Eagle
Conclusion
Birds of prey have some of the most impressive hunting skills in the animal kingdom. These birds are known for their sharp talons and beaks, which they use to kill their prey. Birds of prey also have powerful wings, which allow them to soar through the air at high speeds.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.