Raptors are birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, falcons, condors, ospreys, vultures, kites, and owls. They hunt and eat warm blooded animals, i.e., small rodents and birds, as well as various reptiles and fish, and in many instances are also scavengers.
Raptors have specialized features for capturing and eating prey.
They are known for their extraordinary vision, which is approximately eight times more acute than human vision and enables them to spot prey when it is several miles away. Their sense of hearing is also very keen. All raptors have specialized feet, or talons, which have sharp, curved claws. The talons enable raptors to catch, overpower, and hold on to their prey, and then to crush and kill it. The capture often occurs at the end of spectacular dives by the raptor.