15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of Birds of Prey in Flight

When you think of fearsome predators, which ones come first to mind? Wolves? Lions or bears? How about snakes or sharks? Some of you might even be in the midst of a bone-chilling flashback about a menacing spider you once encountered. But what about birds? Most people think of a pet parrot or a handsome cardinal or some similar non-threatening winged creature; unless you happen to be an ornithophobe, none of these is going to be any cause for concern. Make no mistake, though — there are some real rock stars among the class of animal we refer to as birds. Eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and other raptors characterized by peerless vision, powerful beak, and piercing talons are some of nature’s most efficient hunters.

The photos below capture various birds of prey in flight, some in active pursuit of their next meal. If you’re uneasy around birds, take this opportunity to marvel our ferocious feathered friends from the safest place possible — in front of a screen.