Representatives of Falconidae, Accipitridae, and Pandionidae can be found on every continent worldwide, except Antarctica. Some species, like the osprey and peregrine falcon, are global. New World vultures are found in the Western Hemisphere, specifically North and South America. Old World vultures are found in the Eastern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. A diurnal bird of prey species can be found in almost every type of habitat, from the Arctic tundra to the desert.
Peregrines prefer tundra, while gyrfalcons prefer the northern edges of boreal forests.
Ospreys and bald eagles occupy areas near lakes, rivers, and coasts. Many species prefer forest habitats. Some species can exploit a variety of habitats while others are restricted to one type of habitat. They can be found in alpine areas down to deserts, grasslands, forests, and human suburbs. Migratory species occupy both breeding and nonbreeding habitats.