Order: Hawks, Kites, & Buzzards

A Harris's Hawk perched on a branch

Harris’s Hawks are a deep chestnut brown with yellow markings that make them stand out. They are a very social species, and have been observed raising young and hunting—an unusual trait for a raptor species! While on the hunt, a group of Harris’s Hawks will descend on their prey and flush it. Harris’s Hawks can…

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The Black Kite is a medium-sized, primarily brown raptor. Kites are characterized by their long wings and tails, buoyant and acrobatic flight, and ability to catch food in mid-air. Black Kites are widespread and adaptable and can be found throughout portions of Africa, Europe, and Australasia. They eat small mammals, other birds, carrion, and insects….

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An Augur Buzzard standing on leaves

Augur Buzzards are one of the most numerous types of hawks in Africa. In the Americas, the term “buzzard” generally refers to vultures, but in the Old World, the word’s original meaning was “hawk.” Augur Buzzards are members of the Buteo genus, a group of hawks found all over the world and known for their…

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In The News

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Pittsburgh’s skyline has become home to the once endangered peregrine falcon | TribLive

At Cathedral of Learning, baby peregrine falcons mark another generation.

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Rare harpy eagle arrives at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary | MSN

There's a new "rare" raptor at the National Aviary, one that can't be seen anywhere else in the Northeast. Barry Pintar reports.

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Going sky-high with the raptors at the National Aviary | Pittsburgh Today Live

Daisy Jade is getting up close and personal with some of the remarkable raptors at the National Aviary!

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It takes a village to band a bird | Pitt News

This 25th season signifies a quarter-century of partnership among the University of Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the National Aviary.

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“Rare” harpy eagle arrives at National Aviary | CBS News

There's a new "rare" raptor at the National Aviary, one that can't be seen anywhere else in the Northeast. 

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