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| fossil_range = {{fossilrange|56|0|] - Recent}} | fossil_range = {{fossilrange|56|0|] - Recent}}
| image = Spizaetus-ornatus-001.jpg | image = Spizaetus-ornatus-001.jpg
| image_caption = Juvenile ]<br/>''Spizaetus ornatus'' | image_caption = Juvenile ]<br />''Spizaetus ornatus''
| subdivision_ranks = ] | subdivision_ranks = ]
| subdivision = | subdivision =
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
| authority = ], 1816}} | authority = ], 1816}}


The '''Accipitridae''', one of the two major ] within the ] ] (the ] ]), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a ], being found on all the world's continents (except ]) and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are ]. The '''Accipitridae''', one of the two major ] within the ] ] (the ] ]), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a ], being found on all the world's continents (except ]) and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are ].


Many well-known birds, such as ]s, ]s, ], ] and ]s are included in this group. The ] is usually placed in a separate family (Pandionidae), as is the ] (Sagittariidae), and the ]s are also usually now regarded as a separate family or order. ] data<ref>de Boer (1975), Amaral & Jorge (2003), Federico ''et al.'' (2005)</ref> indicated that the accipitrids hitherto analysed are indeed a distinct ] group, but whether this group should be considered a family of the Falconiformes or one or several order(s) on their own is a matter of taste. Many well-known birds, such as ]s, ]s, ], ] and ]s are included in this group. The ] is usually placed in a separate family (Pandionidae), as is the ] (Sagittariidae), and the ]s are also usually now regarded as a separate family or order. ] data{{sfn|de Boer|1975}}{{sfn|Amaral|Jorge|2003}}{{sfn|Federico|Cantarella|Scavo|Saccone|2005}} indicated that the accipitrids hitherto analysed are indeed a distinct ] group, but whether this group should be considered a family of the Falconiformes or one or several order(s) on their own is a matter of taste.


==Systematics== == Systematics ==
The accipitrids have been variously divided into some 5–10 ]. Most share a very similar ], but many of these groups contain ] which are more aberrant. These are placed in their respective position more for lack of better evidence than anything else. It is thus not very surprising that the ] layout of the accipitrids has always been a matter of dispute. The accipitrids have been variously divided into some 5–10 ]. Most share a very similar ], but many of these groups contain ] which are more aberrant. These are placed in their respective position more for lack of better evidence than anything else. It is thus not very surprising that the ] layout of the accipitrids has always been a matter of dispute.


As mentioned above, the accipitrids are recognisable by a peculiar rearrangement of their ]. Apart from this, morphology and ] ] ] data gives a confusing picture of these birds' interrelationships. What can be said is that the ]s, ]s, ]s and ] as presently assigned in all likelihood do not form ] groups: As mentioned above, the accipitrids are recognisable by a peculiar rearrangement of their ]. Apart from this, morphology and ] ] ] data gives a confusing picture of these birds' interrelationships. What can be said is that the ]s, ]s, ]s and ] as presently assigned in all likelihood do not form ] groups:


According to the molecular data, the Buteoninae are most likely ] or ], with the true eagles, the ], and the ]nine hawks apparently representing distinct lineages. These appear to form a group with the ], ] and ] but the exact relationships between the lineages are not at all robustly resolvable with the present data. The ] and possibly the ] are older lineages, as are the Old World vultures. The latter are fairly likely also poly- or paraphyletic, with some aberrant species like the ] and ]s standing apart from the naked-necked "(not so)true" vultures.<ref>Wink ''et al.'' (1996)</ref> According to the molecular data, the Buteoninae are most likely ] or ], with the true eagles, the ], and the ]nine hawks apparently representing distinct lineages. These appear to form a group with the ], ] and ] but the exact relationships between the lineages are not at all robustly resolvable with the present data. The ] and possibly the ] are older lineages, as are the Old World vultures. The latter are fairly likely also poly- or paraphyletic, with some aberrant species like the ] and ]s standing apart from the naked-necked "(not so)true" vultures.{{sfn|Wink|Heidrich|Fentzloff|1996|p=}}


==Morphology== == Morphology ==
] showing its strongly hooked beak and the cere covering the base of the beak.]] ] showing its strongly hooked beak and the cere covering the base of the beak.]]

The Accipitridae are a diverse family with a great deal of variation in size and shape. They range in size from the tiny ] and ], both of which are 23&nbsp;cm (9&nbsp;in) in length and weigh about 85 g (3&nbsp;oz), to the ], which measures up to 120&nbsp;cm (47&nbsp;in) and weighs up to 14&nbsp;kg (31&nbsp;lbs). Until the 14th century even these were surpassed by the ] ] of New Zealand, which is estimated to measure up to 140&nbsp;cm (55&nbsp;in) and weigh 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lbs).<ref>Brathwaite (1992)</ref> In terms of body mass, Accipitridae is the most diverse family of birds. Most accipitrids exhibit ] in size, although unusually for birds it is the females that are larger than the males.<ref name = "Paton">Paton ''et al.'' (1994)</ref> This sexual difference in size is most pronounced in active species that hunt birds, such as '']'' hawks, in which the size difference averages 25–50%. In a majority of species, such as generalist hunters and ], ], ] and ] hunting specialists, the dimorphism is less, usually between a 5% to 25% size difference. In the carrion-eating ]s and snail eating ]s, the difference is almost non-existent.<ref>"Raptors of the World" by Ferguson-Lees, Christie, Franklin, Mead & Burton. Houghton Mifflin (2001), ISBN 0-618-12762-3.</ref>
The Accipitridae are a diverse family with a great deal of variation in size and shape. They range in size from the tiny ] and ], both of which are 23&nbsp;cm (9&nbsp;in) in length and weigh about 85 g (3&nbsp;oz), to the ], which measures up to 120&nbsp;cm (47&nbsp;in) and weighs up to 14&nbsp;kg (31&nbsp;lbs). Until the 14th century even these were surpassed by the ] ] of New Zealand, which is estimated to measure up to 140&nbsp;cm (55&nbsp;in) and weigh 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lbs).{{sfn|Brathwaite|1992}} In terms of body mass, Accipitridae is the most diverse family of birds. Most accipitrids exhibit ] in size, although unusually for birds it is the females that are larger than the males.{{sfn|Paton|Messina|Griffin|1994}} This sexual difference in size is most pronounced in active species that hunt birds, such as '']'' hawks, in which the size difference averages 25–50%. In a majority of species, such as generalist hunters and ], ], ] and ] hunting specialists, the dimorphism is less, usually between a 5% to 25% size difference. In the carrion-eating ]s and snail eating ]s, the difference is almost non-existent.{{sfn|Ferguson-Lees|Christie|2001|p=}}{{page needed|date=May 2011}}


The beaks of accipitrids are strong, hooked (sometimes very hooked, as in the ] or ]). In some species there is a notch or 'tooth' in the upper mandible. In all accipitrids the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere which is usually yellow in colour. The ] of different species vary by diet, those of bird hunting species like sparrowhawks are long and thin, while species that hunt large mammals have much thicker, stronger ones, and ] have thick scales to protect from bites. The beaks of accipitrids are strong, hooked (sometimes very hooked, as in the ] or ]). In some species there is a notch or 'tooth' in the upper mandible. In all accipitrids the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere which is usually yellow in colour. The ] of different species vary by diet, those of bird hunting species like sparrowhawks are long and thin, while species that hunt large mammals have much thicker, stronger ones, and ] have thick scales to protect from bites.


The ] the Accipitridae can be striking but rarely utilises bright colours; most birds use combinations of grey, buff and brown.<ref name = "Thiollay">Thiollay (1994)</ref> Overall they tend to be paler below, which helps them seem less conspicuous when seen from below. There is seldom sexual dimorphism in plumage, when it occurs the males are brighter or the females resemble juveniles. In many species juveniles have a distinctly different plumage. Some accipitrids ] the plumage patterns of other hawks and eagles. They may attempt to resemble a less dangerous species to fool prey, or instead resemble a more dangerous species in order to reduce ] by other birds.<ref>Negro (2008)</ref> Several species of accipitrid have crests used in signalling, and even species without crests can raise the ]s of the crown when alarmed or excited. In contrast most of the ]s possess bare heads without feathers; this is thought to prevent soiling on the feathers and aid in ].<ref>Ward ''et al.''(2008)</ref> The ] the Accipitridae can be striking but rarely utilises bright colours; most birds use combinations of grey, buff and brown.{{sfn|Thiollay|1994}} Overall they tend to be paler below, which helps them seem less conspicuous when seen from below. There is seldom sexual dimorphism in plumage, when it occurs the males are brighter or the females resemble juveniles. In many species juveniles have a distinctly different plumage. Some accipitrids ] the plumage patterns of other hawks and eagles. They may attempt to resemble a less dangerous species to fool prey, or instead resemble a more dangerous species in order to reduce ] by other birds.{{sfn|Negro|2008}} Several species of accipitrid have crests used in signalling, and even species without crests can raise the ]s of the crown when alarmed or excited. In contrast most of the ]s possess bare heads without feathers; this is thought to prevent soiling on the feathers and aid in ].{{sfn|Ward|McCafferty|Houston|Ruxton|2008}}


The senses of the Accipitridae are adapted to hunting (or scavenging), and in particular their ] is legendary. The sight of some hawks and eagles is up to 8 times better than that of humans. Large eyes with two ] provide binocular vision and a "hawk eye" for movement and distance judging. In addition have the largest ]s of any birds. The eyes are tube shaped and cannot move much in their sockets. In addition to excellent vision many species have excellent hearing, but unlike in owls sight is generally the principal sense used for hunting. Hearing may be used to locate prey hidden in vegetation, but sight is still used to catch the prey. Like most birds the Accipitridae generally have a poor sense of smell; even the Old World vultures make no use of the sense, in contrast to the New World vultures in the family ]. The senses of the Accipitridae are adapted to hunting (or scavenging), and in particular their ] is legendary. The sight of some hawks and eagles is up to 8 times better than that of humans. Large eyes with two ] provide binocular vision and a "hawk eye" for movement and distance judging. In addition have the largest ]s of any birds. The eyes are tube shaped and cannot move much in their sockets. In addition to excellent vision many species have excellent hearing, but unlike in owls sight is generally the principal sense used for hunting. Hearing may be used to locate prey hidden in vegetation, but sight is still used to catch the prey. Like most birds the Accipitridae generally have a poor sense of smell; even the Old World vultures make no use of the sense, in contrast to the New World vultures in the family ].


==Diet and feeding== == Diet and feeding ==
] is an unusual frugivorous accipitrid , but will also consume fish, particularly dead fish.]] ] is an unusual frugivorous accipitrid , but will also consume fish, particularly dead fish.]]
]'' in ].]] ]'' in ].]]
]'' ]] ]'' ]]
Accipitrids are predominately ]s and most species actively hunt for their prey. A majority of accipitrids are opportunistic predators that will take any prey that they can kill. However, most have a preference for a certain type of prey which in ] and ] tends towards small ]s such as ]s, and in '']'' hawks tends towards others ]s. Most accipitrids will supplement their diet with non-putrid ] but, of course, none specialized with this as well as the ]. A few species may opportunistically feed on fruit and in one species, the ], it forms the major part of the diet.<ref>Although not the entire diet. Thomson ''et al.'' 1957</ref> Most accipitrids will not eat plant material. Insects are taken exclusively by around 12 species, in great numbers by 44 additional species, and opportunistically by many others.<ref name = "Thiollay"/> The diet of the honey-buzzards includes not only the adults and young of social insects such as wasps and bees, but the honey and combs from their nests.<ref name = "SHIU">Shiu (2006)</ref> The ] and ]s are specialists in consuming ]s. "]s" are several large raptors that are not necessarily closely related but do tend to take larger prey, including mid-sized mammals and larger birds. The '']'' eagles and especially the '']'' eagles and the ] mainly prefer to prey on ], supplemented occasionally by other aquatic animals. ] and forest hawks in the genus '']'' may take reptiles from trees whilst other species hunt them on the ground. Snakes in particular are targeted by the snake-eagles ('']'') and serpent-eagles ('']'' and '']'').<ref name = "Thiollay"/>


Accipitrids are predominately ]s and most species actively hunt for their prey. A majority of accipitrids are opportunistic predators that will take any prey that they can kill. However, most have a preference for a certain type of prey which in ] and ] tends towards small ]s such as ]s, and in '']'' hawks tends towards others ]s. Most accipitrids will supplement their diet with non-putrid ] but, of course, none specialized with this as well as the ]. A few species may opportunistically feed on fruit and in one species, the ], it forms the major part of the diet.<ref name="diet-Thomson1957" /> Most accipitrids will not eat plant material. Insects are taken exclusively by around 12 species, in great numbers by 44 additional species, and opportunistically by many others.{{sfn|Thiollay|1994}} The diet of the honey-buzzards includes not only the adults and young of social insects such as wasps and bees, but the honey and combs from their nests.{{sfn|Shiu|Tokita|Morishita|Hiraoka|2006}} The ] and ]s are specialists in consuming ]s. "]s" are several large raptors that are not necessarily closely related but do tend to take larger prey, including mid-sized mammals and larger birds. The '']'' eagles and especially the '']'' eagles and the ] mainly prefer to prey on ], supplemented occasionally by other aquatic animals. ] and forest hawks in the genus '']'' may take reptiles from trees whilst other species hunt them on the ground. Snakes in particular are targeted by the snake-eagles ('']'') and serpent-eagles ('']'' and '']'').{{sfn|Thiollay|1994}}
==Genera==

* '''Subfamily ]''' - elanid kites (8 species)
== Genera ==
**Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily ]''' - elanid kites (8 species)
**Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
** Genus '']''
** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily ]''' - honey-buzzards (c.14 species) * '''Subfamily ]''' - honey-buzzards (c.14 species)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' (Doubtfully placed<ref name=lm>Lerner & Mindell, 2005</ref>) ** Genus '']'' (Doubtfully placed{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}})
* '''Subfamily ]''' - Old World vultures * '''Subfamily ]''' - Old World vultures
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily Gypaetinae'''<ref name=lm/> * '''Subfamily Gypaetinae'''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']''<ref name=lm/> ** Genus '']''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
* '''Subfamily ]''' - buteonine hawks, true eagles and sea-eagles (c.100 living species, probably ] or ]) * '''Subfamily ]''' - buteonine hawks, true eagles and sea-eagles (c.100 living species, probably ] or ])
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' (probably ], might include ''Leucopternis'' in part and ''Parabuteo'') ** Genus '']'' (probably ], might include ''Leucopternis'' in part and ''Parabuteo'')
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' (probably ], might include ''Leucopternis'' in part) ** Genus '']'' (probably ], might include ''Leucopternis'' in part)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' (probably ]) ** Genus '']'' (probably ])
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily Aquilinae'''<ref name=lm/> * '''Subfamily Aquilinae'''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' (possibly ] of ''Ictinaetus'') ** Genus '']'' (possibly ] of ''Ictinaetus'')
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus ''"]"'' ** Genus ''"]"''
**Genus '']'' (]) ** Genus '']'' (])
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily ]''' - harriers (some 16 living species) * '''Subfamily ]''' - harriers (some 16 living species)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily Polyboroidinae''' - harrier hawks * '''Subfamily Polyboroidinae''' - harrier hawks
**Genus '']''<ref name=lm/> ** Genus '']''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
* '''Subfamily ]''' - milvine kites (some 14 species) * '''Subfamily ]''' - milvine kites (some 14 species)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' - formerly included in ''Rostrhamus'' ** Genus '']'' - formerly included in ''Rostrhamus''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily ]''' - goshawks, sparrowhawks, and relatives (c.55 living species) * '''Subfamily ]''' - goshawks, sparrowhawks, and relatives (c.55 living species)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily ]''' - snake-eagles (about one dozen species) * '''Subfamily ]''' - snake-eagles (about one dozen species)
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']''<ref name=lm/> ** Genus '']''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
* '''Subfamily Haliaeetinae'''<ref name=lm/> * '''Subfamily Haliaeetinae'''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
* '''Subfamily Harpiinae'''<ref name=lm/> * '''Subfamily Harpiinae'''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
**Genus '']'' ** Genus '']''
<!-- **Genus '']'' --> <!-- ** Genus '']'' -->
* '''Subfamily Melieraxinae'''<ref name=lm/> * '''Subfamily Melieraxinae'''{{sfn|Lerner|Mindell|2005}}
**Genus '']'' ('']'') ** Genus '']'' ('']'')


===Fossil record=== === Fossil record ===
] ]
] ]
Like with most other birds of prey, the ] record of this group is fairly decent{{Vague|date=February 2011}} from the latter ] onwards (c.35 ]), with modern genera being well documented since the ], or around 30 mya. Like with most other birds of prey, the ] record of this group is fairly decent{{Vague|date=February 2011}} from the latter ] onwards (c.35 ]), with modern genera being well documented since the ], or around 30 mya.
*'']'' (Late Eocene of England) * '']'' (Late Eocene of England)
*'']'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Early Miocene of France)<!-- authority may be Brodkorb 1964, not Lambrecht 1933, nomen nudum. But see Condor54:174 --> * '']'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Early Miocene of France)<!-- authority may be Brodkorb 1964, not Lambrecht 1933, nomen nudum. But see Condor54:174 -->
*'']'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of France) * '']'' (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of France)
*'']'' (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA)<!-- Condor45:229 --> * '']'' (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA)<!-- Condor45:229 -->
*'']'' (Early Miocene of Riversleigh, Australia) * '']'' (Early Miocene of Riversleigh, Australia)
*'']'' (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA) * '']'' (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA)
*'']'' (Early - Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C and SE USA)<!-- BullAMNH48:483; Condor58:367 --> * '']'' (Early - Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C and SE USA)<!-- BullAMNH48:483; Condor58:367 -->
*'']'' (Early/middle Miocene - Late Pleistocene) - formerly in ''Neophron''<!-- sp. (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Lee Creek Mine, USA), vetustus, dakotensis, americanus, slaughteri, vallecitoensis, ricardoensis Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Condor37:72; Condor41:153; Condor45:229; Condor79:494; Condor96:577 --> * '']'' (Early/middle Miocene - Late Pleistocene) - formerly in ''Neophron''<!-- sp. (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Lee Creek Mine, USA), vetustus, dakotensis, americanus, slaughteri, vallecitoensis, ricardoensis Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Condor37:72; Condor41:153; Condor45:229; Condor79:494; Condor96:577 -->
*'']'' (Xiacaowan middle Miocene of Sihong, China) * '']'' (Xiacaowan middle Miocene of Sihong, China)
*'']'' (Late Miocene of Nebraska, USA) * '']'' (Late Miocene of Nebraska, USA)
*'']'' (Liushu Late Miocene of China) * '']'' (Liushu Late Miocene of China)
*'']'' (Miocene)<!-- Condor41:153 --> * '']'' (Miocene)<!-- Condor41:153 -->
*''] (Miocene of Shandong, China) * ''] (Miocene of Shandong, China)
*'']'' (Miocene of Argentina)<!-- Evolution38:1384 --> * '']'' (Miocene of Argentina)<!-- Evolution38:1384 -->
*'']'' (Early Pliocene of Gargano Peninsula, Italy) * '']'' (Early Pliocene of Gargano Peninsula, Italy)
*'']'' (Late Pliocene of Peru - Late Pleistocene of S North America and Cuba) - may belong to extant genus ''Harpyhaliaetus''<!-- Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Evolution38:1384 --> * '']'' (Late Pliocene of Peru - Late Pleistocene of S North America and Cuba) - may belong to extant genus ''Harpyhaliaetus''<!-- Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Evolution38:1384 -->
*'']''<!-- Pleistocene? Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Condor37:72; Condor41:153; Condor96:577 --> * '']''<!-- Pleistocene? Auk112:890; CaribbJSci40:120; Condor37:72; Condor41:153; Condor96:577 -->
*'']'' - includes ''"Aquila" gervaisii'' * '']'' - includes ''"Aquila" gervaisii''
*'']'' - formerly ''Morphnus daggetti''<!--Late Pleistocene of SW North America? Daggett's Eagle. CaribbJSci40:120; Condor 17:179; Condor30:255; Condor38:32; Condor96:577 --> * '']'' - formerly ''Morphnus daggetti''<!--Late Pleistocene of SW North America? Daggett's Eagle. CaribbJSci40:120; Condor 17:179; Condor30:255; Condor38:32; Condor96:577 -->


Accipitrids are known since ] times, or about from 50 mya onwards, in fact, but these early remains are too fragmentary and/or ] to properly assign a place in the ]. Likewise, as remarked above, molecular methods are of limited value in determining ]ary relationships of and within the accipitrids. What can be determined is that in all probability, the group originated on either side of the ], which during that time was only 60-80% its present width. On the other hand, as evidenced by fossils like '']'', some 25 mya, accipitrids in all likelihood rapidly acquired a global distribution - initially probably even extending to ]. Accipitrids are known since ] times, or about from 50 mya onwards, in fact, but these early remains are too fragmentary and/or ] to properly assign a place in the ]. Likewise, as remarked above, molecular methods are of limited value in determining ]ary relationships of and within the accipitrids. What can be determined is that in all probability, the group originated on either side of the ], which during that time was only 60-80% its present width. On the other hand, as evidenced by fossils like '']'', some 25 mya, accipitrids in all likelihood rapidly acquired a global distribution - initially probably even extending to ].


* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Huerfano Early Eocene of Huerfano County, USA)<ref>Specimen ] FR 7434: Left ] of a ]-sized bird: Cracraft (1969)</ref> * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Huerfano Early Eocene of Huerfano County, USA)<ref name="Specimen-Cracraft1969" />
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Borgloon Early Oligocene of Hoogbutsel, Belgium)<ref>] of a bird the size of an ]: Smith (2003)</ref> * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Borgloon Early Oligocene of Hoogbutsel, Belgium)<ref name="Tarso-Smith2003" />
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand)<ref>Specimens ] S42490, S42811: ] left ] and distal right ] of a bird the size of a smallish eagle: Worthy ''et al.'' (2007)</ref> * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand)<ref name="ulna-Worthy-etal2006" />
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. MPEF-PV-2523 (Puerto Madryn Late Miocene of Estancia La Pastosa, Argentina) * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. MPEF-PV-2523 (Puerto Madryn Late Miocene of Estancia La Pastosa, Argentina)
* ''"Aquila" danana'' (Snake Creek Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Loup Fork, USA) - formerly also ''Geranoaetus'' or ''Buteo''<!-- Auk50:212; Condor44:39 --> * ''"Aquila" danana'' (Snake Creek Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Loup Fork, USA) - formerly also ''Geranoaetus'' or ''Buteo''<!-- Auk50:212; Condor44:39 -->
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Early/Middle Pliocene of Kern County, USA) - ''Parabuteo''?<ref>] ] quite similar to ]: Miller (1931)</ref> * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Early/Middle Pliocene of Kern County, USA) - ''Parabuteo''?<ref name="tibia-Miller1931" />
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Ibiza, Mediterranean) - ''Buteo''?<ref>Alcover (1989)</ref> * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Ibiza, Mediterranean) - ''Buteo''?{{sfn|Alcover|1989}}
* Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Egypt) * Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Egypt)


Specimen ] FR 2941, a left ] from the Late Eocene ] of Chimney Butte (]) was initially assessed as a ] mid-sized "buteonine";<ref>Wetmore (1934)</ref> it is today considered to be more likely to belong in the ] genus '']''.<ref>AMNH (2007)</ref> The ] genus '']'' was formerly thought to belong to ], however reexamination of the holotype in 1943 resulted in the genus being placed in Accipitridae.<ref name="Simpson1946">{{cite journal|last=Simpson, G.G. |year= 1946 |title=Fossil penguins |journal= Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History |volume= 81 |url=http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/2246/392/1/B087a01.pdf}}</ref> Further examination in 1980 resulted in placement as Aves ''incertae sedis''.<ref name="olson1985">{{cite journal |last1=Olson |first1=S.L. |year= 1985 |title= Faunal Turnover in South American Fossil Avifaunas: The Insufficiencies of the Fossil Record |journal= Evolution |volume= 39 |issue= 5 | pages= 1174–1177 |url=http://si-pddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/6499/1/VZ_169_S_Amer_fossil_avifaunas.pdf}}</ref> Specimen ] FR 2941, a left ] from the Late Eocene ] of Chimney Butte (]) was initially assessed as a ] mid-sized "buteonine";{{sfn|Wetmore|1934|p=}} it is today considered to be more likely to belong in the ] genus '']''.{{sfn|AMNH 2007}} The ] genus '']'' was formerly thought to belong to ], however reexamination of the holotype in 1943 resulted in the genus being placed in Accipitridae.<ref name="Simpson1946" /> Further examination in 1980 resulted in placement as Aves ''incertae sedis''.<ref name="Olson1985" />

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist
| colwidth = 30em
| refs =

{{#tag:ref|Although not the entire diet. ].|name=diet-Thomson1957}}

{{#tag:ref|Specimen ] {{dead link|date=May 2011}}: Left ] of a ]-sized bird: ].|name=Specimen-Cracraft1969}}

{{#tag:ref|] of a bird the size of an ]: ].|name=Tarso-Smith2003}}

{{#tag:ref|Specimens ] S42490, S42811: ] left ] and distal right ] of a bird the size of a smallish eagle: ].|name=ulna-Worthy-etal2006}}

{{#tag:ref|] ] quite similar to ]: ].|name=tibia-Miller1931}}

<ref name="Simpson1946">
{{cite journal
| last = Simpson
| first = G.G.
| year = 1946
| title = Fossil penguins
| journal = Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History
| volume = 81
| url = http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/2246/392/1/B087a01.pdf
| format = pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Olson1985">
{{cite doi | 10.2307/2408747 }}
</ref>


}}
==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|2}}


==References== == References ==
* {{cite journal
* Alcover, Josep Antoni (1989): Les Aus fòssils de la Cova de Ca Na Reia . ''Endins'' '''14-15''': 95-100.
| last = Alcover
* Amaral, Karina Felipe & Jorge, Wilham (2003): The chromosomes of the Order Falconiformes: a review. ''Ararajuba'' '''11'''(1): 65-73.
| first = Josep Antoni
* ] (AMNH) (2007): . Retrieved 2008-APR-22.
| year = 1989
* Brathwaite, D. H. (1992): "". ''Notornis'' '''39'''(4): 239–247.
| title = Les Aus fòssils de la Cova de Ca Na Reia <nowiki></nowiki>
* Cracraft, Joel (1969): Notes on fossil hawks (Accipitridae). '']'' '''86'''(2): 353-354.
| journal = Endins
* de Boer, L.E.M. (1975): Karyological heterogeneity in the Falconiformes (Aves). ''Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences'' '''31'''(10): 1138-1139. <small>{{DOI|10.1007/BF02326755}}</small> (HTML abstract)
| issn = 0211-2515
* Federico, Concetta; Cantarella, Catia Daniela; Scavo, Cinzia; Saccone, Salvatore; Bed'Hom, Bertrand & Bernardi, Giorgio (2005): Avian genomes: different karyotypes but a similar distribution of the GC-richest chromosome regions at interphase. ''Chromosome Research'' '''13'''(8): 785-793. <small>{{DOI|10.1007/s10577-005-1012-7}}</small> (HTML abstract)
| oclc = 41447612
* Lerner , Heather R.L. & David P. Mindell (2005): Phylogeny of eagles, Old World vultures, and other Accipitridae based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 37:327–346
| issue = 14–15
* Miller, Loye H. (1931): Bird Remains from the Kern River Pliocene of California. '']'' '''33'''(2): 70–72.
| pages = 95–100
*Negro, J.J. (2008) Two aberrant serpent-eagles may be visual mimics of bird-eating raptors ''Ibis'' '''150''' (2): 307–314 <small>{{doi|10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00782.x}}</small>
| language = Catalan with English abstract
* Paton, P.W.C.; Messina, F.J. & C.R. Griffin (1994): A Phylogenetic Approach to Reversed Size Dimorphism in Diurnal Raptors. ''Oikos'' '''71''' (3): 492-498
| url = http://www.raco.cat/index.php/Endins/article/view/104331/153448
* Shiu, Hau-Jie; Ken-ichi Tokita, Emiko Morishita, Emiko Hiraoka, Yinyin Wu, Hiroshi Nakamura and Hiroyoshi Higuchi (2006) "Route and site fidelity of two migratory raptors: Grey-faced Buzzards ''Butastur indicus'' and Honey-buzzards ''Pernis apivorus''" ''Ornithological Science'' '''5''' (2): 151-156 {{doi|10.2326/osj.5.151}}
| format = pdf
* Smith, Richard (2003): Les vertébrés terrestres de l'Oligocène inférieur de Belgique (Formation de Borgloon, MP 21): inventaire et interprétation des données actuelles. ''Coloquios de Paleontología'' '''E1''': 647-657.
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
* Thiollay, J.M. (1994): Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) ''in'' del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (editors). (1994). '']. Volume 2'': New World Vultures to Guineafowl. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-15-6
| ref = harv
* Thomson, A.L. & R. E. Moreau (1957) : Feeding habits of the palm-nut vulture ''Gypoheerax''. ''Ibis'' '''99''' (4) , 608–613 <small>{{doi|10.1111/j.1474-919X.1957.tb03053.x}}</small>
}}
*Ward, J.; McCafferty, D.; Houston, D.; Ruxton, G. (2008). "Why do vultures have bald heads? The role of postural adjustment and bare skin areas in thermoregulation". ''Journal of Thermal Biology'' '''33''' (3): 168-173 <small>{{doi|10.1016/j.jtherbio.2008.01.002}}</small>
* {{cite journal
* Wink, M.; Heidrich, P. & Fentzloff, C. (1996): A mtDNA phylogeny of sea eagles (genus ''Haliaeetus'') based on nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome ''b'' gene. ''Biochemical Systematics and Ecology'' '''24''': 783-791. <small>{{DOI|10.1016/S0305-1978(96)00049-X}}</small>
| last = Amaral
* ]; Tennyson, A.J.D.; Jones, C.; McNamara, J.A. & Douglas, B.J. (2007): Miocene waterfowl and other birds from central Otago, New Zealand. '']'' '''5'''(1): 1-39. <small>{{doi|10.1017/S1477201906001957}}</small> (HTML abstract)
| first = Karina Felipe
* ] (1934): Fossil birds from Mongolia and China. ''American Museum Novitates'' '''711''': 1-16.
| last2 = Jorge
| first2 = Wilham
| year = 2003
| title = The chromosomes of the Order Falconiformes: a review
| journal = Ararajuba
| issn = 0103-5657
| oclc = 23686049
| volume = 11
| issue = 1
| pages = 65–73
| url = http://www.ararajuba.org.br/sbo/ararajuba/artigos/Volume111/ara111art6.pdf
| format = pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite web
| author = ] (AMNH)
| year = 2007
| title = AMNH FR 2941 specimen information
| url = http://paleo.amnh.org/search.php?action=detail&specimen_id=44309
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = {{harvid|AMNH 2007}}
}}
* {{cite journal
| last = Brathwaite
| first = D. H.
| year = 1992
| title = Notes on the weight, flying ability, habitat, and prey of Haast's Eagle (''Harpagornis moorei'')
| journal = Notornis
| volume = 39
| issue = 4
| pages = 239–247
| url = http://www.notornis.org.nz/free_issues/Notornis_39-1992/Notornis_39_4_239.pdf
| format = pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite journal
| last = Cracraft
| first = Joel
| year = 1969
| title = Notes on fossil hawks (Accipitridae)
| journal = ]
| volume = 86
| issue = 2
| pages = 353–354
| url = http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v086n02/p0353-p0354.pdf
| format = pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite doi | 10.1007/BF02326755 }}
* {{cite doi | 10.1007/s10577-005-1012-7 }}
* {{cite book
| last = Ferguson-Lees
| first = James
| last2 = Christie
| first2 = David A.
| year = 2001
| others = Illustrated by Kim Franklin, David Mead, and Philip Burton
| title = Raptors of the World
| publisher = Houghton Mifflin
| isbn = 978-0-618-12762-7
| url = http://books.google.com/books?id=hlIztc05HTQC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite book
| editor-last = del Hoyo
| editor-first = J.
| editor2-last = Elliott
| editor2-first = A.
| editor3-last = Sargatal
| editor3-first = J.
| year = 1994
| title = ]
| volume = 2
| publisher = Lynx Edicions
| location = Barcelona
| isbn = 84-87334-15-6
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite doi | 10.1016/j.ympev.2005.04.010 }}
* {{cite doi | 10.2307/1363312 }}
* {{cite doi | 10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00782.x }}
* {{cite doi | 10.2307/3545837 }}
* {{cite doi | 10.2326/osj.5.151 }}
* {{cite journal
| last = Smith
| first = Richard
| year = 2003
| title = Les vertébrés terrestres de l'Oligocène inférieur de Belgique (Formation de Borgloon, MP 21): inventaire et interprétation des données actuelles. <nowiki></nowiki>
| journal = Coloquios de Paleontología
| issn = 1132-1660
| oclc = 55101786
| volume = E1
| issue =
| pages = 647–657
| language = French with English abstract
| url = http://www.ucm.es/BUCM/revistas/geo/11321660/articulos/COPA0303220647A.PDF
| format = pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite document
| last = Thiollay
| first = J. M.
| year = 1994
| title = Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles)
| work = ''in'' Handbook of the Birds of the World'': ].''
| ref = harv
}}
* {{cite doi | 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1957.tb03053.x }}
* {{cite doi | 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2008.01.002 }}
* {{cite doi | 10.1016/S0305-1978(96)00049-X }}
* {{cite doi | 10.1017/S1477201906001957 }}
* {{cite journal
| last = Wetmore
| first = Alexander
| authorlink = Alexander Wetmore
| year = 1934
| title = Fossil birds from Mongolia and China
| journal = American Museum Novitates
| issue = 711
| pages = 1–16
| url = http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/2246/2095/1/N0711.pdf
| accessdate = 2011-05-26
| ref = harv
}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category|Accipitridae}} {{commons category|Accipitridae}}
* on the Internet Bird Collection
*]: Specimen Data. Retrieved 2007-FEB-10.
* on the Internet Bird Collection * xeno-canto.org: . Retrieved 2006-DEC-01.
*xeno-canto.org: . Retrieved 2006-DEC-01.


{{Accipitriformes}} {{Accipitriformes}}

Revision as of 11:19, 26 May 2011

Accipitridae
Temporal range: Eocene - Recent PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Juvenile Ornate Hawk-eagle
Spizaetus ornatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Vieillot, 1816
Subfamilies

The Accipitridae, one of the two major families within the order Accipitriformes (the diurnal birds of prey), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found on all the world's continents (except Antarctica) and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are migratory.

Many well-known birds, such as hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures are included in this group. The Osprey is usually placed in a separate family (Pandionidae), as is the Secretary bird (Sagittariidae), and the New World vultures are also usually now regarded as a separate family or order. Karyotype data indicated that the accipitrids hitherto analysed are indeed a distinct monophyletic group, but whether this group should be considered a family of the Falconiformes or one or several order(s) on their own is a matter of taste.

Systematics

The accipitrids have been variously divided into some 5–10 subfamilies. Most share a very similar morphology, but many of these groups contain taxa which are more aberrant. These are placed in their respective position more for lack of better evidence than anything else. It is thus not very surprising that the phylogenetic layout of the accipitrids has always been a matter of dispute.

As mentioned above, the accipitrids are recognisable by a peculiar rearrangement of their chromosomes. Apart from this, morphology and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data gives a confusing picture of these birds' interrelationships. What can be said is that the hawks, kites, eagles and Old World vultures as presently assigned in all likelihood do not form monophyletic groups:

According to the molecular data, the Buteoninae are most likely poly- or paraphyletic, with the true eagles, the sea eagles, and the buteonine hawks apparently representing distinct lineages. These appear to form a group with the Milvinae, Accipitrinae and Circinae but the exact relationships between the lineages are not at all robustly resolvable with the present data. The Perninae and possibly the Elaninae are older lineages, as are the Old World vultures. The latter are fairly likely also poly- or paraphyletic, with some aberrant species like the Bearded and Egyptian Vultures standing apart from the naked-necked "(not so)true" vultures.

Morphology

Portrait of a Bald Eagle showing its strongly hooked beak and the cere covering the base of the beak.

The Accipitridae are a diverse family with a great deal of variation in size and shape. They range in size from the tiny Pearl Kite and Little Sparrowhawk, both of which are 23 cm (9 in) in length and weigh about 85 g (3 oz), to the Cinereous Vulture, which measures up to 120 cm (47 in) and weighs up to 14 kg (31 lbs). Until the 14th century even these were surpassed by the extinct Haast's Eagle of New Zealand, which is estimated to measure up to 140 cm (55 in) and weigh 15 kg (33 lbs). In terms of body mass, Accipitridae is the most diverse family of birds. Most accipitrids exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, although unusually for birds it is the females that are larger than the males. This sexual difference in size is most pronounced in active species that hunt birds, such as Accipiter hawks, in which the size difference averages 25–50%. In a majority of species, such as generalist hunters and rodent, reptile, fish and insect hunting specialists, the dimorphism is less, usually between a 5% to 25% size difference. In the carrion-eating Old World vultures and snail eating kites, the difference is almost non-existent.

The beaks of accipitrids are strong, hooked (sometimes very hooked, as in the Hook-billed Kite or Snail Kite). In some species there is a notch or 'tooth' in the upper mandible. In all accipitrids the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere which is usually yellow in colour. The tarsi of different species vary by diet, those of bird hunting species like sparrowhawks are long and thin, while species that hunt large mammals have much thicker, stronger ones, and snake-eagle have thick scales to protect from bites.

The plumage the Accipitridae can be striking but rarely utilises bright colours; most birds use combinations of grey, buff and brown. Overall they tend to be paler below, which helps them seem less conspicuous when seen from below. There is seldom sexual dimorphism in plumage, when it occurs the males are brighter or the females resemble juveniles. In many species juveniles have a distinctly different plumage. Some accipitrids mimic the plumage patterns of other hawks and eagles. They may attempt to resemble a less dangerous species to fool prey, or instead resemble a more dangerous species in order to reduce mobbing by other birds. Several species of accipitrid have crests used in signalling, and even species without crests can raise the feathers of the crown when alarmed or excited. In contrast most of the Old World vultures possess bare heads without feathers; this is thought to prevent soiling on the feathers and aid in thermoregulation.

The senses of the Accipitridae are adapted to hunting (or scavenging), and in particular their vision is legendary. The sight of some hawks and eagles is up to 8 times better than that of humans. Large eyes with two fovea provide binocular vision and a "hawk eye" for movement and distance judging. In addition have the largest pectens of any birds. The eyes are tube shaped and cannot move much in their sockets. In addition to excellent vision many species have excellent hearing, but unlike in owls sight is generally the principal sense used for hunting. Hearing may be used to locate prey hidden in vegetation, but sight is still used to catch the prey. Like most birds the Accipitridae generally have a poor sense of smell; even the Old World vultures make no use of the sense, in contrast to the New World vultures in the family Cathartidae.

Diet and feeding

The Palm-nut Vulture is an unusual frugivorous accipitrid , but will also consume fish, particularly dead fish.
Shikra Accipiter badius in Hyderabad, India.
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus

Accipitrids are predominately predators and most species actively hunt for their prey. A majority of accipitrids are opportunistic predators that will take any prey that they can kill. However, most have a preference for a certain type of prey which in harriers and buteonine hawks tends towards small mammals such as rodents, and in Accipiter hawks tends towards others birds. Most accipitrids will supplement their diet with non-putrid carrion but, of course, none specialized with this as well as the vultures. A few species may opportunistically feed on fruit and in one species, the Palm-nut Vulture, it forms the major part of the diet. Most accipitrids will not eat plant material. Insects are taken exclusively by around 12 species, in great numbers by 44 additional species, and opportunistically by many others. The diet of the honey-buzzards includes not only the adults and young of social insects such as wasps and bees, but the honey and combs from their nests. The Snail Kite and Hook-billed Kites are specialists in consuming snails. "Eagles" are several large raptors that are not necessarily closely related but do tend to take larger prey, including mid-sized mammals and larger birds. The Haliaeetus eagles and especially the Ichthyophaga eagles and the Osprey mainly prefer to prey on fish, supplemented occasionally by other aquatic animals. Bazas and forest hawks in the genus Accipiter may take reptiles from trees whilst other species hunt them on the ground. Snakes in particular are targeted by the snake-eagles (Circaetus) and serpent-eagles (Spilornis and Dryotriorchis).

Genera

Fossil record

Neophrontops americanus fossil
Neogyps errans fossil

Like with most other birds of prey, the fossil record of this group is fairly decent from the latter Eocene onwards (c.35 mya), with modern genera being well documented since the Early Oligocene, or around 30 mya.

  • Milvoides (Late Eocene of England)
  • Aquilavus (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene - Early Miocene of France)
  • Palaeocircus (Late Eocene/Early Oligocene of France)
  • Palaeastur (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA)
  • Pengana (Early Miocene of Riversleigh, Australia)
  • Promilio (Agate Fossil Beds Early Miocene of Sioux County, USA)
  • Proictinia (Early - Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C and SE USA)
  • Neophrontops (Early/middle Miocene - Late Pleistocene) - formerly in Neophron
  • Mioaegypius (Xiacaowan middle Miocene of Sihong, China)
  • Apatosagittarius (Late Miocene of Nebraska, USA)
  • Gansugyps (Liushu Late Miocene of China)
  • Palaeoborus (Miocene)
  • Qiluornis (Miocene of Shandong, China)
  • Thegornis (Miocene of Argentina)
  • Garganoaetus (Early Pliocene of Gargano Peninsula, Italy)
  • Amplibuteo (Late Pliocene of Peru - Late Pleistocene of S North America and Cuba) - may belong to extant genus Harpyhaliaetus
  • Neogyps
  • Palaeohierax - includes "Aquila" gervaisii
  • Wetmoregyps - formerly Morphnus daggetti

Accipitrids are known since Early Eocene times, or about from 50 mya onwards, in fact, but these early remains are too fragmentary and/or basal to properly assign a place in the phylogeny. Likewise, as remarked above, molecular methods are of limited value in determining evolutionary relationships of and within the accipitrids. What can be determined is that in all probability, the group originated on either side of the Atlantic, which during that time was only 60-80% its present width. On the other hand, as evidenced by fossils like Pengana, some 25 mya, accipitrids in all likelihood rapidly acquired a global distribution - initially probably even extending to Antarctica.

  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Huerfano Early Eocene of Huerfano County, USA)
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Borgloon Early Oligocene of Hoogbutsel, Belgium)
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand)
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. MPEF-PV-2523 (Puerto Madryn Late Miocene of Estancia La Pastosa, Argentina)
  • "Aquila" danana (Snake Creek Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of Loup Fork, USA) - formerly also Geranoaetus or Buteo
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Early/Middle Pliocene of Kern County, USA) - Parabuteo?
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Ibiza, Mediterranean) - Buteo?
  • Accipitridae gen. et sp. indet. (Egypt)

Specimen AMNH FR 2941, a left coracoid from the Late Eocene Irdin Manha Formation of Chimney Butte (Inner Mongolia) was initially assessed as a basal mid-sized "buteonine"; it is today considered to be more likely to belong in the Gruiformes genus Eogrus. The Early Oligocene genus Cruschedula was formerly thought to belong to Spheniscidae, however reexamination of the holotype in 1943 resulted in the genus being placed in Accipitridae. Further examination in 1980 resulted in placement as Aves incertae sedis.

Footnotes

  1. de Boer 1975. sfn error: no target: CITEREFde_Boer1975 (help)
  2. Amaral & Jorge 2003.
  3. Federico et al. 2005. sfn error: no target: CITEREFFedericoCantarellaScavoSaccone2005 (help)
  4. Wink, Heidrich & Fentzloff 1996. sfn error: no target: CITEREFWinkHeidrichFentzloff1996 (help)
  5. Brathwaite 1992.
  6. Paton, Messina & Griffin 1994. sfn error: no target: CITEREFPatonMessinaGriffin1994 (help)
  7. Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001.
  8. ^ Thiollay 1994.
  9. Negro 2008. sfn error: no target: CITEREFNegro2008 (help)
  10. Ward et al. 2008. sfn error: no target: CITEREFWardMcCaffertyHoustonRuxton2008 (help)
  11. Although not the entire diet. Thomson & Moreau 1957.
  12. Shiu et al. 2006. sfn error: no target: CITEREFShiuTokitaMorishitaHiraoka2006 (help)
  13. ^ Lerner & Mindell 2005. sfn error: no target: CITEREFLernerMindell2005 (help)
  14. Specimen AMNH FR 7434: Left carpometacarpus of a Snail Kite-sized bird: Cracraft 1969.
  15. Tarsometatarsus of a bird the size of an Eurasian Sparrowhawk: Smith 2003.
  16. Specimens MNZ S42490, S42811: Distal left tibiotarsus and distal right ulna of a bird the size of a smallish eagle: Worthy et al. 2007.
  17. Distal tibia quite similar to Harris's Hawk: Miller 1931.
  18. Alcover 1989.
  19. Wetmore 1934.
  20. AMNH 2007.
  21. Simpson, G.G. (1946). "Fossil penguins" (pdf). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 81. Retrieved 2011-05-26. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  22. Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi: 10.2307/2408747 , please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi= 10.2307/2408747 instead.

References

External links

Order: Accipitriformes
Family
Old World vultures (subfamily: Aegypiinae)
GenusSpecies
Aegypius
Gypaetus
Gypohierax
Gyps
Necrosyrtes
Neophron
Sarcogyps
Torgos
Trigonoceps
Subfamily: Buteoninae
GenusSpecies (extinctions: † indicates a species confirmed to be extinct)
Geranoaetus
Buteo
Rupornis
Parabuteo
Buteogallus
Busarellus
Leucopternis
Pseudastur
Kaupifalco
Butastur
Harpyhaliaetus
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