Raptors

Raptors, or birds of prey, are a diverse group of predatory birds that capture and kill vertebrate prey using strong talons and hooked beaks. In formal classifications they include hawks, eagles, and vultures (primarily in the Accipitriformes and related families) and falcons (Falconiformes). Some sources also include owls as raptors in a broad sense, though owls belong to a separate order, Strigiformes, and have distinct adaptations. Raptors occur worldwide in a variety of habitats, from deserts and grasslands to forests and mountains, with many species highly migratory.

Raptors share adaptations suited to hunting. They typically have large, forward-facing eyes and acute vision, enabling accurate distance judgment. They possess powerful talons for grasping prey and strong, hooked beaks for tearing flesh. Many species are capable of high-speed flight and precise maneuvering, with some, such as falcons, achieving exceptional dive speeds.

Their diets are diverse, ranging from small mammals and birds to reptiles, fish, insects, and carrion. Hunting strategies vary: some species perch and ambush, others soar for long distances before striking, and specialized forms include fish-eating raptors that skim water or dive to catch fish. Diet often influences habitat choice and seasonal movements.

Reproduction typically involves long-term pair bonds and territorial nesting. Both parents may participate in incubation and feeding of young, which fledge after several weeks to months. Raptors often require large territories and suitable prey populations, making them sensitive to habitat loss and pollutants.

Conservation status varies by species. Some raptors have recovered from past declines attributed to pesticide exposure and habitat destruction, while others remain threatened by human activity, collision with turbines or vehicles, and habitat fragmentation. Protecting habitat, regulating toxins, and reducing direct persecution have been central to many recovery efforts.