Falconiformes - the scientific name for hawk. All are classified as birds of prey, or raptors. Although all hawks have certain basic similarities such as keen eyesight, hooked beaks and taloned feet, a wide diversity of forms exists among them. For instance, an American Kestrel weights only 4 ounces, while a Bald Eagle can weigh 13 pounds - 52 times as much.
Hawks are effective predators.
They catch, kill, and eat a wide variety of other animals in order to survive. This predation is not mean or cruel. It has been going on for millions of years and is, in fact, a necessary function which helps to maintain nature's balance. Hawks are strong, powerful birds. Their feet are equipped with sharp, curved talons for capturing prey, and their strong beaks are hooked for biting and tearing flesh.