Raptors are really interesting from a recognition perspective. Since volunteering at the Hawk Conservation Trust in the UK I've learnt lots of useful tips that

Raptors are really interesting from a recognition perspective. Since volunteering at the Hawk Conservation Trust in the UK I've learnt lots of useful tips that apply even when you can just see a little silhouette. For example: - Falcons have relatively scythe-shaped wings while Hawks have more rounded wings relative to Falcons - Hawks and Eagles have more pronounced 'fingers' at the ends of their wings relative to Falcons - Buzzards and Kites: Buzzards are more stubby and have a diamond shaped tail; Kites have longer wings and a forked tail - There are similar differences with respect to the length of the tail. Some raptors have diagnostic flight patterns: Kestrels hover in place, Kites perform extremely dynamic acrobatics, especially in groups. Even when you can see the plumage, it doesn't always help - there can be significant differences between juveniles and adult males and females.