Raptors are carnivorous birds of prey that feed primarily on fresh meat taken by hunting or on carrion. Raptors include mostly diurnal (chiefly active in the daytime) birds as well as the nocturnal owl. The term "raptor" is derived from the Latin word rapere, which means to seize or ravish.

Raptors have three physical characteristics that set them apart from other birds. These include strong grasping feet with sharp talons used to seize prey from the air, a hooked or hook-tipped beak used to kill and consume prey and a diet that consists entirely of meat. Though raptors have great eyesight, it is not a trait exclusive to them.

There are 61 species of raptors in North America including:
* Eagles
* Falcons
* Hawks
* Vultures
* Osprey
* Owls
* Kites

Raptors are members of the Orders Strigiformes (owls) or Falconiformes.

Raptors often can be identified by their silhouette forms.

Raptors are not only magnificent animals, they are often at the top of the food chain in many ecosystems, which makes them ideal indicators of ecosystem health. If raptors in nature are threatened, then other animals in that system also are at risk. For this reason, study of raptors in the wild and in captivity is truly a study of all animals.