All are carnivores or carrion feeders and are characterized by strong beaks and claws. The habits and often large size of these birds have generated considerable public interest, and there is a certain amount of folklore mixed with fact in popular knowledge about the group. All raptors are protected by law in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has a large and healthy population of nesting Bald Eagles. The Osprey, or fish hawk, is the official Provincial Bird.
Birds of prey inhabit both forests and open lands.
Habitat factors and relationships are discussed in T11.2 and T11.3 .