The Accipitridae, one of the three families within the order Accipitriformes 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.
Scientific classificatione;
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Subfamilies:
1. Elaninae
2. Gypaetinae
3. Perninae
4. Gypinae
5. Circaetinae
6. Harpiinae
7. Aquilinae
8. Lophospizinae
9. Harpaginae
10. Melieraxinae
11. Buteoninae
12. Accipitrinae
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 indicate the accipitrids analysed are indeed a distinct monophyletic group.