Bird of prey

The birds of prey, or raptors, found in Europe in period were:

• eagle
• gyrfalcon
• osprey
• merlin
• kite
• falcon
• hawk
• kestrel

Many similar birds are infact falcons or hawks, e.g. sparrowhawk, goshawk, hobby, harrier. Owls are nocturnal raptors.

Birds of prey were used for falconry.

The eagle and the falcon are the only birds truely represented in heraldry.