About
Raptor ID, developed by HawkWatch International, is a comprehensive identification resource for anyone looking to sharpen their raptor recognition skills. The centerpiece is a free mobile app—the first of its kind designed specifically for raptor identification—featuring nearly 1,000 annotated photos and cutting-edge identification videos covering all 34 diurnal North American raptor species. Users learn to distinguish tricky species pairs (like Sharp-shinned vs. Cooper's Hawks) using shape, flight style, plumage, habitat, and behavioral cues. Beyond the app, the platform offers downloadable Raptor ID Fact Sheets with species-specific detail on migration and distribution, an expert-curated blog covering topics from Red-tailed Hawk races to anatomy terminology, and an 'Ask an Expert' feature where users can submit photos or videos for personalized identification help from HawkWatch scientists. Recommended field guides—including Jerry Liguori's well-regarded books and HawkWatch's own In-hand Guide to Diurnal North American Raptors—are also available. This platform is ideal for birdwatchers, students, wildlife educators, and conservationists who want reliable, science-backed tools for raptor identification in the field or classroom. All core digital resources are available for free, supported by HawkWatch International's nonprofit mission to conserve raptors and their shared environment.
Key Features
- Free Mobile Identification App: The first raptor-specific mobile app, featuring nearly 1,000 annotated photos and species identification videos for all 34 North American diurnal raptor species.
- Raptor ID Fact Sheets: Detailed per-species pages covering shape, flight style, plumage, migration patterns, and geographic distribution for easy reference.
- Ask an Expert: Users can submit photos or videos of unknown raptors directly to HawkWatch International's scientists for personalized, expert identification guidance.
- Educational Blog & Videos: In-depth blog posts and video content covering identification nuances, anatomy terminology, subspecies, and raptor behavior created by field scientists.
- Curated Field Guide Shop: A selection of highly recommended raptor field guides, including Jerry Liguori's books and HawkWatch's own In-hand Guide to Diurnal North American Raptors.
Use Cases
- Birdwatchers identifying unknown raptors spotted during field outings or hawk watches using the mobile app's annotated photos and videos.
- Students and educators using the free fact sheets and blog content to supplement wildlife biology or ornithology coursework.
- Citizen scientists documenting raptor sightings and seeking expert confirmation through the Ask an Expert submission form.
- Conservation volunteers and researchers monitoring raptor migration and needing quick, reliable species identification references.
- Nature enthusiasts building their birding knowledge by studying species-specific plumage, flight, and behavioral cues across all North American diurnal raptors.
Pros
- Completely Free Core Resources: The mobile app, fact sheets, blog, and Ask an Expert service are all available at no cost, making expert-level raptor ID accessible to everyone.
- Science-Backed Content: All identification materials are created and reviewed by HawkWatch International scientists with deep field expertise in raptor research and migration.
- Comprehensive Species Coverage: Covers all 34 North American diurnal raptor species with nearly 1,000 annotated photos and dedicated videos for each, leaving no common species unaddressed.
- Multi-Format Learning: Offers multiple learning modalities—videos, photos, written fact sheets, blog posts, and live expert feedback—to suit different learning styles.
Cons
- North America–Centric Coverage: The platform and app focus exclusively on North American diurnal raptor species, limiting its usefulness for birders in other regions.
- No Automated AI Photo Recognition: Unlike some modern wildlife apps, Raptor ID does not offer instant AI-powered photo recognition; identification is user-driven or requires submitting to an expert.
- Diurnal Species Only: Owls and other nocturnal raptors are not covered, so users seeking help with nighttime birds of prey will need additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Raptor ID app free to download?
Yes, the Raptor ID mobile app is free. It includes nearly 1,000 annotated photos and identification videos for all 34 North American diurnal raptor species at no cost.
Which raptor species does Raptor ID cover?
Raptor ID covers all 34 diurnal (daytime) raptor species found in North America, including hawks, eagles, falcons, ospreys, and vultures.
How does the Ask an Expert feature work?
Users can submit a photo or video of an unidentified raptor through an online form on the HawkWatch International website. A raptor expert will review it and walk you through the identification.
What skills or features does Raptor ID teach?
Raptor ID teaches users to identify raptors using shape, flight style, plumage patterns, habitat, and behavior. The platform covers both basics like anatomy terminology and advanced topics like subspecies and molt.
Is Raptor ID suitable for beginners?
Yes. The platform is designed for all skill levels, from beginners learning fundamental identification cues to experienced birders wanting to refine their skills on challenging species pairs like Sharp-shinned vs. Cooper's Hawks.
