鷹形目 Accipitriformes

鷹形目 Accipitriformes，來自拉丁文的 accipiter (鷹) 和拉丁文的 -fōrmis (形狀)，說明這些動物是有鷹的形狀及跟鷹有關係。

Accipitriformes, from Latin accipiter (“hawk”) and Latin -fōrmis (“-shaped”), in reference to the fact these animals are all hawk-shaped and hawk-related.

種的俗名 Common names of members

鷹、雕、禿鷲、鳶、蛇鷲、魚鷹。

Hawks, eagles, vultures, kites, secretary birds, ospreys.

分佈 Distribution

除了南極洲和一些大洋島嶼外，住在所有大陸。

All continents except Antarctica and some oceanic islands.

體型 Size

體型範圍從23厘米長及85克重，到1.3米長及4.27公斤重。

They range from 23 cm in length and 85 g in weight up to 1.3 m and 4.27 kg.

形態 Morphology

牠們通常有一個柔軟的蠟膜來容納鼻孔和一個強壯的鉤狀喙。牠們翅膀外部的4–6根初級羽毛被邊緣化，使牠們長而寬，因此對翱翔飛行有優勢。牠們也有對立的後爪及猛禽爪，使腿和腳有力。

Usually, they have a soft cere that houses their nostrils and a beak that is strongly hooked. The outer four to six primary feathers of their wings are emarginated, making them long and rather broad, making them ideal for soaring flight. With opposable hind claws and raptorial claws, they have powerful legs and feet.

生態及棲息地 Ecology & Habitat

通常棲息在樹上或高山上。棲息地有多樣，例如沙漠、苔原、濕地、雨林等等。

Usually rest in trees or high peaks. Habitat varies from desert, tundra, wetlands, to rainforests.

食性 Diet

主要是晝夜捕食者，大多數物種都會積極捕獵獵物，以任何種類的動物為食，取決於棲息地。有些也吃腐肉。

They are predominantly diurnal predators and most species actively hunt for their prey, feeding mainly on any kind of animal, depending on the habitat. Some species also eat carrions.

繁殖 Reproduction

通常在樹上或高山上築巢。大多數是一夫一妻制，一生都與同一個伴侶交配。

Usually nest in trees or high peaks. The majority are monogamous and mate with the same partner throughout their life.