Predatory birds, also known as carnivorous birds, feed on other animals, including birds. These birds are usually large, but they also possess great power. Some predatory birds even have a wingspan of more than 2 meters.
Their beaks and claws are not at all cute, as these evolved to shred their prey. In addition to these characteristics, they possess keen eyesight and are able to spot prey in flight.
In this article, we will explore 5 of the deadliest and most dangerous bird species on the planet.
African crowned eagle
At the top of the list is the African Crested Eagle, which you can find in the forests of sub-Saharan Africa. It can catch a variety of prey, including primates. While most bird attacks on humans are caused by provocation, this is the only bird known to prey on humans.
This dangerous predatory bird even considers human children as prey, and there have been several reports of unprovoked attacks on humans by such birds, and human skulls have been found in their nests.
The African crested eagle is a huge bird with a wingspan of nearly 2 meters. It has powerful legs that crush skulls and is known for its ferocity, often knocking out large animals.
They use surprise attacks to pounce on their prey with their feet stretched, penetrating brain tissue with their claws or crushing the skull of their prey.
Filipino eagles
The Philippine eagle is a distinctive-looking eagle whose fluffy crown and brown, white feathers set it apart from other species.
Their most impressive is the pair of large wings that spread out over 2 meters, one of the largest of all eagles on Earth.
Filipino eagles have two extremely clever hunting strategies. The first strategy is to sit there and wait until the prey is discovered. Another strategy is to fly from one habitat to another and continue to sit there and wait.
Filipino eagles can use their size, strength and hunting skills to prey on monkeys and other tree-dwelling animals. However, they also eat snakes, bats, and other birds.
Unfortunately, due to poaching, the bird is on the verge of extinction and has been listed as an endangered species, with only about 400 left in the wild.
Hobbie Eagle
The hobby eagle is another powerful eagle named after the hopy in Greek mythology. Due to its hunting ability and agility, the hopy eagle is considered one of the strongest birds on Earth.
With a wingspan of up to 2.2 m wide and claws up to 10 cm long, this predatory bird is the second longest and third heaviest eagle.
Harpy eagles are very patient predators and will sit there for a long time waiting for their prey, so when the prey encounters a hobby eagle, it is not a good idea to choose to hide. The claws of the hobby eagle are the longest of the living eagles and can catch prey weighing as much as their own weight.
These dangerous birds of prey feed mainly on arboreal animals such as sloths, monkeys, and opossums.
War Eagle
The war eagle is the largest eagle in Africa and is native to its sub-Saharan habitat. In addition, they are the most powerful members of the subfamily Boothawks (eagles with feathers on their legs).
This bird can reach a length of 0.9 meters and a maximum wingspan of about 2 meters. War eagles are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey, from mammals to reptiles and even other birds, as long as they can be found.
As its name suggests, the War Condor hunts in a belligerent way, and it exerts its full power at the beginning. But when it discovers that the prey has the ability to fight back, it immediately abandons the hunt. Instead, it hunts its prey mercilessly.
War eagles are not popular with locals and farmers, as livestock is also one of their prey. Farmers often hunt them to prevent their cattle from being attacked further. As a result, this bird is already on the verge of extinction.
peregrine falcon
Despite their small size compared to the other deadly birds on our list, they can still wreak considerable havoc.
Like most falcons, peregrine falcons have sharp claws and beaks that can easily dismember their prey.
As the fastest bird in the world, its speed is another cause that makes it deadly. Its attacks were swift and brutal, and its prey was killed before it could even figure out what was attacking them.
In addition, peregrine falcons are particularly fond of fish, so they often prey on fish. The peregrine falcon is also one of the fastest diving animals in the world.