Hawks - Kites - Eagles - Falcons

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a variety of raptors, including Hawks (Accipitridae), Kites (Accipitridae), Eagles (Aquila and Haliaeetus), and Falcons (Falconidae), which play essential roles as apex predators in the park’s ecosystems. These birds of prey are skilled hunters, using their keen eyesight to locate and capture a wide range of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Hawks, such as the Broad-winged Hawk, are often seen soaring over the park’s forests and open areas, while Kites, like the Swallow-tailed Kite, are known for their graceful flight patterns as they hunt for insects and small vertebrates. Eagles, such as the Harpy Eagle, are among the largest and most powerful raptors, preying on larger mammals and birds. Falcons, with their remarkable speed and agility, hunt small birds and insects, often diving at incredible velocities to catch their prey. These raptors are vital to maintaining the balance of the park's ecosystems by regulating prey populations, and their presence highlights the health and biodiversity of Manuel Antonio.