The Accipitriformes, a group that includes hawks, eagles, and their relatives, are renowned for their remarkable nesting habits. These birds of prey typically build large, robust nests called eyries or aeries, constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials like feathers or moss. Nests are usually sited in lofty and inaccessible locations such as tall trees, cliff ledges, or even on man-made structures, providing protection from predators and a commanding view of their territory.
- Accipitriformes build sturdy nests known as eyries, often reused and expanded year after year.
- Nests are placed in elevated, secure locations to protect eggs and chicks.
- Both male and female parents share responsibilities for building, incubating, and feeding young.
Sticks and softer lining materials like feathers or moss
High in trees, on cliffs, or on tall man-made structures
Protection from predators and good vantage point for hunting
Nest Construction and Maintenance
Yes, often for many years
Adding new material each season and repairing damage
Both male and female
Nests built by Accipitriformes are architectural marvels, reflecting the birds' need for durability and safety. Construction begins with the male often gathering the primary building materials—long sticks and branches—while the female arranges them to form a solid platform. Softer materials such as grass, moss, feathers, and animal fur are added to create a warm, insulating lining for eggs and hatchlings. These nests can become massive over time, sometimes measuring over two meters in diameter and weighing several hundred kilograms, especially for large species like eagles. Maintenance is an ongoing task; old nests are reinforced and expanded year after year, ensuring they remain secure against strong winds and adverse weather.
- Males usually collect sticks; females do most of the arranging.
- Soft lining materials keep eggs warm and protected.
- Nests can grow very large and heavy with reuse over multiple seasons.
Up to 2 meters in diameter or more
Reproduction and Parental Care
1 to 3 eggs
Both parents incubate and feed the young
About 4 to 6 weeks
Reproductive strategies among Accipitriformes are finely tuned for survival. Most species lay relatively small clutches, usually one to three eggs, which ensures parents can devote ample resources to each offspring. The eggs are incubated for about 4 to 6 weeks, with both parents sharing this duty to maintain optimal temperature and protect the clutch from predators. After hatching, parental care intensifies: adults bring food—often freshly caught prey—to the nestlings, promoting rapid growth and development. Juvenile birds may remain in the nest or nearby (the nestling and fledgling stages) for several weeks to months, during which they are taught essential survival skills before becoming fully independent.
- Clutch size is small; often 1-3 eggs per reproductive cycle.
- Both parents incubate eggs and later feed the young.
- Young remain dependent for an extended period, receiving parental guidance.
Greater parental investment per chick and higher survival rates for offspring
Feathers, moss, grass, or animal fur
Protection from ground predators and better vantage point for spotting prey
Bald eagle and Golden eagle
Mostly solitarily, but some species nest semi-colonially
The nesting habits of Accipitriformes are a testament to their evolutionary success as birds of prey. Their large, durable nests, built in protective and strategic locations, support their reproductive needs and help ensure the survival of their offspring.
- Accipitriformes build sturdy nests (eyries) in high, secure locations.
- Both parents share responsibilities for nest building and care of young.
- Nests can be reused and expanded over many years, sometimes becoming enormous.
A large nest built by birds of prey
To save energy and ensure a stable nesting site