ACCIPITERS Meaning and
Definition
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Accipiters, commonly known as hawks, are a group of birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. They are characterized by their sharp, curved beaks and strong, raptorial talons, which they use to grasp and tear apart their prey. Accipiters are known for their exceptional agility and speed, making them formidable hunters in the avian world.
These birds are typically medium-sized, with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) and a wingspan of around 60 to 120 centimeters (24 to 47 inches). Their bodies are slender and streamlined, designed for rapid flight through dense vegetation while hunting smaller birds and animals.
Accipiters are known for their distinctive hunting strategy called "still-hunting" or "stealth-hunting." They often perch motionless until potential prey approaches, at which point they launch into a surprise attack, relying on their exceptional speed and agility to catch their quarry off-guard. Their flights are characterized by rapid bursts of flapping interspersed with gliding.
With a global distribution, accipiters can be found inhabiting various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and open areas, across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have adapted to diverse environments, allowing them to exploit a range of food sources and maintain a stable population in different ecosystems.
Overall, accipiters are iconic birds of prey admired for their hunting prowess, remarkable aerial abilities, and their vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by regulating populations of small birds and mammals.
Common Misspellings for ACCIPITERS
- zccipiters
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- accupiters
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- accioiters
Etymology of ACCIPITERS
The word "accipiters" is derived from the Latin word "accipiter" which means "hawk" or "bird of prey". It comes from the combination of the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "towards" and "capere" meaning "to seize" or "to take". Thus, "accipiter" refers to a bird that seizes its prey. The plural form, "accipiters", is used to refer to a group of hawks or birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae, which includes species such as the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Northern Goshawk.
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