Throughout the world there are some 287 species which comprise the order Falconiformes and within this order are five families which include the Cathartidae, the Pandionidae, the Accipitridae, the Sagittariidae and the Falconidae. All these groups have similar characteristics such as strong legs and feet with sharp curved claws, a hooked beak, acute vision, and have similar specialisations for finding food, holding, and tearing it apart. A generic term for the Falconiformes is 'raptor'. The nocturnal equivalents of these species are the Owls which are also included in the studies undertaken by Scottish Raptor Study Groups. A few years ago it was decided to include the Raven amongst our studies.
Members of Scottish Raptor Study Groups are currently involved in studies of the 14 known breeding Falconiformes in Scotland, four species of Owls, and the Raven. To learn a little more about each species please click on the image below:-
