North American birds of prey, or raptors, are specialized avian predators defined by strong grasping feet, curved talons, hooked upper beaks, and exceptionally acute binocular vision. Ecologically, these diurnal carnivores occupy top trophic levels, regulating populations of rodents, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects across diverse biomes. Taxonomically, diurnal raptors across the continent are