For a long time, the majority view was to include them with the falcons in the Falconiformes, but many authorities now recognize a separate order Accipitriformes.

The Accipitriformes are known from the Middle Eocene[citation needed] and typically have a sharply hooked beak with a soft cere housing the nostrils.

Their wings are long and fairly broad, suitable for soaring flight, with the outer four to six primary feathers emarginated.

[citation needed] The young have a long, very fast-growing fledgling stage, followed by 3–8 weeks of nest care after first flight, and 1 to 3 years as sexually immature adults.

†Diatropornis †Parasarcoramphus †Teratornithidae Cathartidae Sagittariidae Pandionidae Accipitridae * Sometimes considered a separate order Phylogeny of Accipitriformes sensu stricto based on Nagy, J.