Introduction Hawks and owls are birds of prey and are frequently referred to as raptors - a term that includes the falcons, eagles, vultures, kites, ospreys, northern harriers, and crested caracaras.
Food habits vary greatly among the raptors.
Hawks and owls are highly specialized predators that take their place at the top of the food chain. Some are responsible for the loss of poultry or small game. In the past, raptors were persecuted through indiscriminate shooting, poisoning, and pole trapping. The derogatory term chicken hawk was used generically to identify raptors, especially hawks, but has fallen out of usage during the past two decades. Recently, many people have developed a more enlightened attitude toward raptors and their place in the environment.