What are Birds of Prey?
A Description of the Bird Group Commonly Called Birds of Prey
A brief glossary entry describing the birds of prey, or raptors. This group includes the hawks and owls.
Birds of prey, or raptors, include the buzzards, eagles, falcons, hawks, harriers, kites, and owls - birds that kill animals for food or seek out animals that are already dead. They are mostly large and solitary birds, equipped with acute eyesight and hearing, sharp, hooked beaks and talons, and impressive flying ability. Most hunt by day but owls typically hunt by night. Many birds of prey have declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, but these beautiful birds are now protected, and many populations are recovering.
One of the most useful features for identification of the birds of prey is their shape which, along with their style of flight, can be quite distinctive.
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