Raptors, or birds of prey, are birds having the following three distinctive characteristics: strong grasping feet equipped with sharp talons, a hooked upper beak, and keen vision. Raptors are called birds of prey because these features allow them to be predators that hunt for their food. Many raptors are, in fact, predators. Some raptors actually hunt for and consume other birds. Other members of the group, however, eat only dead animals, called carrion. Raptors consist of two taxonomic orders of birds. The order Falconiformes comprises falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures, condors, and related birds of prey.

Falconiformes birds are diurnal (daytime) predators. The order Strigiformes is composed of owls. Owls are also birds of prey. They are, however, nocturnal predators that are adapted to hunt primarily at night. Spectacular hunters, raptors are admired for their majestic strength.

All birds are vertebrates and belong to the scientific class Aves. By definition, birds possess feathers, wings, beaks, and scales on their legs and feet. Members of the class Aves are also warm-blooded, air-breathing and lay terrestrial eggs. There are two orders of raptors under the larger class of Aves: Falconiformes and Strigiformes. Birds of prey belonging to the order Falconiformes have strong bills that are hooked at the tip and sharp on the edges. This functions to cut and tear flesh from prey animals. Also, Falconiform raptors have feet with sharp, curved talons, opposable hind toes, and very sharp vision. They are generally strong flyers and carnivores.

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