Hawks, Eagles, and Kites

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This is Episode 134. Ivan takes on one of the most iconic bird families in the avian world: Accipitridae—the hawks, eagles, kites, buzzards, harriers, and Old World Vultures. It's a massive and diverse group with no good nickname, though Ivan has a few suggestions.

The episode covers the key traits that make these birds such formidable predators—from their hooked bills and locking talons to the bony "brow ridge" that gives them their signature scowl. Ivan also digs into the family's staggering diversity: 249 species across 73 genera.

Along the way, there's some evolutionary biology, a Weirdo Alert, and a look at the ancient giant that makes today's largest eagles seem modest by comparison.

Links of Interest

• Haast's Eagle episode of the Blurbs podcast
• Harpy Eagle video in Spanish, by Alberto Lobato [VIDEO]
• Wild Latitudes: Worldwide birding and nature tours.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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