Raptors have fascinated people for centuries and play important roles in the environment. Raptors are members of a large group of birds called birds of prey. Raptors are predators, and the animals they hunt are prey. Diurnal Raptors Five bird families form this large group of birds.
Kites are lightweight and graceful raptors that prey on large insects, reptiles and rodents.
The endangered Snail Kite feeds only on apple snails. Accipiters are hawks with long tails and short, rounded wings. They prey mainly on smaller birds. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and Northern Goshawk are accipiters. Harriers are slim hawks with long wings and long tails.