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The Accipitridae is one of the two main families within the order Falconiformes (the diurnal birds of prey). Many well-known birds like hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures are included in this group. (Most, but not all, other raptors belong to the Falconidae, or falcon family, which is often raised to the level of an independent order.)
Largely because of the explosive impact of modern molecular biology, the current classification of the Accipitridae is confused, with different authorities placing them in different orders. The Osprey is often placed in a separate family Pandionidae, and the New World vultures are also usually now regarded as separate.