10 Predatory Birds From Around The World You Should Know About

OT Staff

Harpy Eagle (Central and South America)

One of the world’s largest eagles, it preys on monkeys and sloths in dense tropical forests. Its massive talons can exert pressure comparable to a Rottweiler’s jaw.

An elegant Harpy Eagle | Wikimedia Commons

Peregrine Falcon (Worldwide)

Known as the fastest bird, it can reach speeds over 320 km/h in a dive. It preys on birds mid-flight and thrives in urban as well as wild habitats.

A Peregrine Falcon in a forest | Wikimedia Commons

Martial Eagle (Sub-Saharan Africa)

Africa’s largest eagle with a wingspan up to 2.6 metres. It hunts small antelope, monitor lizards, and birds, using incredible power and height for aerial ambush.

A Martial Eagle sits on a treetop | Wikimedia Commons

Philippine Eagle (Philippines)

Critically endangered and endemic, it’s one of the rarest raptors. Feeding on flying lemurs and snakes, it plays a crucial role in maintaining forest biodiversity.

A close-up of a Philippine Eagle | valkyrae/x

Golden Eagle (Northern Hemisphere)

A widespread apex predator in mountains and open plains. It feeds on rabbits, foxes, and even deer fawns using its keen eyesight and agile, powerful flight.

A close-up of a Golden Eagle | Wikimedia Commons

Snowy Owl (Arctic Regions)

A specialist hunter of lemmings and other rodents, it thrives in tundra landscapes. Its white plumage provides camouflage while hunting across snowy terrain during the Arctic summer.

A shot of a Snowy Owl | Wikimedia Commons

Secretarybird (Sub-Saharan Africa)

A terrestrial bird of prey, it stalks snakes and insects on foot. Famous for stomping venomous snakes to death with powerful legs and precise, rapid strikes.

A shot of a Secretarybird | Wikimedia Commons

Bearded Vulture (Eurasia and Africa)

Feeds mainly on bone marrow by dropping large bones from height to crack them. Plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a scavenger in high-altitude areas.

A Bearded Vulture in its habitat | Wikimedia Commons

Black-thighed Falconet (Southeast Asia)

Among the smallest birds of prey, yet a skilled hunter of insects and small birds. Agile and fast, it often hunts in pairs and perches conspicuously.

A Black-thighed Falconet midair | opzjon/instagram

Andean Condor (South America)

One of the world’s largest flying birds, it soars using thermal currents across the Andes. Though primarily a scavenger, it dominates carrion sites and aids ecological clean-up.

A shot of Andean Condor | Wikimedia Commons

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A shot of a Blue-tailed Bee-eater | Wikimedia Commons
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