Raptors are hunters - they have sharp beaks and talons for catching and consuming their prey. They are carnivorous. I once saw a large redtail hawk rise up from a corn field with a long, writhing black snake in its talons. Another time I took a picture of a red-shouldered hawk flying at great speed past me. When I checked the picture later, I saw that the hawk had a baby opposum grasped tightly in his claws. I hadn't even seen his prey as he flew by. Amazing hunters.