Many kinds of birds can be considered predators. Robins hunt worms, swallows eat insects, pelicans catch fish, and herons hunt frogs. However, only hawks, falcons, eagles and owls are considered birds of prey or raptors, distinguished by the following three characteristics:

• 1) superior eyesight for honing in on prey
• 2) hooked beak for shredding prey
• 3) strong, taloned feet for grasping prey

These traits are a raptor's tools, enabling it to feed on everything from tiny insects, to snails, to monkeys and even antelope calves.

Raptors vary greatly in size, ranging from the petite 3 oz. Pygmy Falcon, to the Andean Condor which can have a wing span of 11 feet. Their habitats differ as well, spanning from snowy mountains to the dry deserts, and from dense forests to open prairies.

Hooked on Raptors? Here are some ways you can learn more:

• Raptor Rehab: Find out what perils they face and what you can do to help.
• Ravenous Raptors: Try to match up each raptor with their preferred prey.
• Hawkwatch: Discover where to witness these magnificent birds as they migrate this fall.
• Mission Migration: Help your flock migrate safely in this online game by learning how choices made every day around home, school, and neighborhood can affect the fate of migrating birds in both positive and negative ways.