Birds of prey, collectively known as raptors, include the vultures, hawks, eagles, the osprey, falcons (Falconiformes) and the owls (Strigiformes). All are carnivores or carrion feeders and are characterized by strong beaks and claws. The habits and often large size of these birds have generated considerable public interest, and there is a certain amount of folklore mixed with fact in popular knowledge about the group. All raptors are protected by law in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has a large and healthy population of nesting Bald Eagles. The Osprey, or fish hawk, is the official Provincial Bird.

Birds of prey inhabit both forests and open lands. Habitat factors and relationships are discussed in T11.2 and T11.3.

This Document Includes:

Food Supply
Breeding
Species Diversity
Distribution
Cultural Factors

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Additional Keywords:
diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, nests, nesting, Cooper's Hawk, insecticides, herbicides, DDT.

Associated Topics:

T11.1 Factors Influencing Birds
T11.2 Forest and Edge-habitat Birds
T11.3 Open-habitat Birds
T11.5 Freshwater Wetland Birds and Waterfowl
T11.11 Small Mammals

Associated Habitats:

H2.5 Tidal Marsh
H4.4 Freshwater Marsh (Inland)
H6.1-3 Forests