What is a raptor?

Did you know that the word raptor comes from the Latin, rapere, which means to seize?

The birds we classify as raptors seize their prey using their strong feet or talons. Their hooked bill is then used to tear the prey apart to feed to themselves or their young. Raptors are also known as “birds of prey” because they hunt mammals, reptiles, insects, fish and other birds for their food but so do some other birds. Laughing Kookaburras, Tawny Frogmouths and Australian Pelicans are examples of birds that eat prey but catch it with their bills – not their feet.

In Australia we have 25 species of diurnal raptors which includes eagles, hawks, kites and falcons. The largest is the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the smallest is the Nankeen Kestrel. The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest, diving at speeds of about 300kmph

Owls are nocturnal raptors and we have 10 Australian species. The Southern Boobook is found all over Australia and the Barn Owl can be found around the world.

Peregrine Falcon Photo: David Whelan

Eastern Barn Owl Photo: David Whelan

A note about the photographs

The photographs for the BOCA Bird Week 2008 web pages have been provided by BOCA members. Photographs have been chosen on the basis that they best show identification details, which means that some photographs have been taken during flight displays and so show captive birds.