Accipitriformes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Accipitriformes |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Clade: | Accipitrimorphae |
| Order: | Accipitriformes Vieillot, 1816 |
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Accipitriformes is a group of birds that includes most of the diurnal (daytime) birds of prey. This order features well-known birds like hawks, eagles, and vultures. There are about 225 different species in this group.
For a long time, scientists thought these birds were closely related to falcons. They were all placed together in an order called Falconiformes. However, new studies using DNA have changed this idea.
Contents
Understanding Accipitriformes Birds
What are Accipitriformes?
Accipitriformes are powerful birds that hunt during the day. They have sharp talons (claws) and strong beaks. These features help them catch and eat their food. Many of them have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot prey from high above.
This group includes many different types of birds.
- Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey.
- Hawks are medium-sized birds, often seen soaring.
- Vultures are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals.
- Ospreys are special fish-eating hawks.
- Secretarybirds are unique, long-legged birds that hunt on the ground.
Where do these birds live?
Accipitriformes can be found all over the world. They live in many different habitats. You can find them in forests, mountains, deserts, and even near cities. Their ability to adapt helps them survive in various environments.
How Scientists Classify Birds
The Big Change in Bird Families
For many years, scientists grouped falcons with hawks and eagles. This was based on how they looked and behaved. But modern science, especially DNA studies, has given us new clues.
A recent DNA study showed something surprising. Falcons are actually not closely related to Accipitriformes. Instead, they are more closely related to parrots and passerines (perching birds like sparrows). This was a big discovery for ornithologists, who are scientists who study birds.
New World Vultures: A Special Case
The DNA study also suggested that New World vultures should be part of the Accipitriformes. New World vultures are found in North and South America. However, some groups, like the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU), have a different idea. They classify New World vultures as their own separate order, called the Cathartiformes.
This shows how science is always learning and changing. As new information comes out, scientists update how they classify living things.
See also
In Spanish: Accipitriformes para niños
