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The popular belief is that a bird of prey is a bird that hunts and eats meat for food. However, birds belonging to other families also hunt and eat meat (the kingfisher is one example). What really distinguishes birds of prey from other birds, are their legs. The legs of birds of prey are equipped with long curved claws called talons and it is with their legs and claws they catch their prey! Birds other families hunt with their beaks .

Birds of prey are classified in two groups are the Strigiformes and Falconiformes. Strigiformes groups together different types of owls and are mostly nocturnal. The Falconiformes include hawks, eagles, buzzards, harriers, ospreys and hawks that are themselves predominantly diurnal.

Birds of prey are protected by a provincial Act and are notifiable. If there is a bird of prey, living or dead, it must be reported to a conservation officer or to a registered wildlife rehabilitation centre. It is forbidden to have one at home without a license and it is even forbidden to own a bird of prey feather without having the license to possess one!