What is a Raptor?

Raptors are birds of prey.  Owls, eagles, falcons, condors, ospreys, hawks, kites, and vultures are all raptors.  They are hunting birds with sharp talons, curved beaks and keen eyesight.  They are carnivores, distinguished by their hooked beaks.  These beaks make it possible for raptors to tear the flesh of their prey.  They also have powerful feet with strong talons that are used for gripping and killing their prey. 

Why are Raptors important?

Raptors help maintain the balance of nature by controlling rodents, reptiles, insects, and other prey.  Both rodents and insects are known to spread disease and damage property.  Raptors provide a natural way to control rodent populations.  One nest of six young barn owls and two adults may consume more than 1,000 small mammals during the nesting season.  Hawks eat meadow mice, small birds, grasshoppers and other insects. Hawks have also been used to frighten away starlings and other pest bird species.

Although once misunderstood and persecuted, today we respect the role of raptors in the balance of nature. 

Types of Raptors

There are actually two orders of raptors; the order Strigiformes, or nocturnal birds of prey, and the order Falconiformes, or diurnal birds of prey. 

Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc., has education birds of both orders. 

To see birds of prey that are native to the Kentucky area, click here.

To see our education birds, click here.