Raptors are masters of the skies. They are a diverse group of powerful hunt ers that soar among clouds, dive at incredible speeds, hover patiently over meadows, and dart through forests. Their keen eyesight, powerful wings, sharp talons and scissorlike bills make them daunting predators.
Raptors live in diverse habitats.
They are found in forests, on mountains, near rivers, lakes and oceans. They survive in deserts, on islands and in the Arctic. They come in a wide variety of sizes. The largest North American raptor, the California condor, has a wingspan of 9 feet. The smallest, the American kestrel, has a wingspan less than 2 feet.