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Falcons and caracaras are carnivores, feeding on birds, small mammals including bats, [3] reptiles, insects and carrion. In popular imagination the falconids are fast flying predators, and while this is true of the genus Falco and some falconets, other species, particularly the caracaras, are more sedentary in their feeding.
The falcons are small to medium sized birds with long, tapering wings built for speed. They feed on a variety of prey, from insects to birds. Although most falcons actively pursue their prey, the Kestrel is a familiar sight hovering along roadside verges waiting to pounce on an unlucky mouse or vole.
Jul 12, 2023 · A falcon is any species of raptor in the genus Falco. The word comes from their Latin name falco, related to Latin falx (“sickle”) because of the shape of these birds’ wings. The 37 species are widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America
- Peregrine Falcon
- Gyrfalcon
- Pygmy Falcon
- American Kestrel
- Prairie Falcon
- Orange-breasted Falcon
- Common Kestrel
- Aplomado Falcon
- Merlin
- Bat Falcon
Peregrines are the fastest types of falcons, and of any type of bird, to be honest. These expert migrators use the technique called ‘the stoop’ when they dive at their prey. Their speed can reach 240 miles per hour at this point, making them not only one of the fastest birds but also the fastest animals on the planet. (Yes, even faster than the che...
We have already mentioned that the gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the family. This unique bird species has been highly prized in falconry since ancient times. Although gyrfalcons have been transported worldwide as sports birds, they occur naturally in the cold Arctic tundra regions. They only come south as far as the northern parts of Canada du...
Moving over to the African savanna, you will find the smallest member of the falcon family. Pygmy falcons are also called African pygmy falcons, and their scientific name is a tongue twister – Polihierax semitorquatus. The tiny gray and white pygmy falcon may be petite, but they are no less fierce than their larger relatives. Pygmy falcons live in ...
The common name for the American kestrel is sparrow hawk. Its scientific name is Falco sparverius. These birds of prey are common in North America, including as far as the northern parts of Canada in the summer, Central America, but also South America. Since the range of the American kestrel is so extensive, there is a regional variation in size an...
Falco mexicanus, more commonly known as the prairie falcon, is the only large falcon type exclusively native to North America. These impressively sized birds mainly inhabit harsh arid regions in the western United States, including southern Canada and northern Mexico. Like all types of falcons, females are bigger than males. In appearance, they are...
Not all types of falcons are abundant, and the orange-breasted falcon is an example of a rare species. Causes for their decreasing numbers include habitat loss, Africanized bees, and black vultures that negatively impact the nesting success of this falcon species. It is classified as near threatened by the IUCN. Orange-breasted falcons are attracti...
Unlike the American kestrel, the common kestrel is a European bird that is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is the only species of kestrel that occurs in the United Kingdom. Common kestrels, Falco tinnunculus, are also known as European kestrels, Old World kestrels, or simply kestrels throughout their range. This type of falcon is highly ...
Aplomado falcons are highly prized in the sport of falconry and are known for their long wings and tails. These falcons are abundant in the central and southern regions of South America. Efforts are being made to reintroduce them to parts of Texas. The scientific name for the aplomado falcon is Falco femoralis. Both sexes have similar coloration an...
Merlin falcons can be described as small, fierce, and plentiful. This highly adaptable species is widespread in the northern hemisphere, and many migrate to warmer tropical areas during winter. Once known as pigeon hawks, merlin are small falcons with big personalities. Their scientific name is Falco columbarius,and like other types of falcons, fem...
Bat falcons, Falco rufigularis, are attractive dark color birds of prey found throughout central and South American countries except for Chile and Uruguay. Their name derives from the belief that bats are their main diet, although it has subsequently been found that they consume more small birds than bats. These diminutive birds of prey have simila...
May 30, 2023 · There are four main types of falcons which are merlins, kestrels, hobbies and true falcons, although some will also include a group known as hierofalcons. All are raptors, i.e. birds of prey.
Falconids can be found in most terrestrial habitats throughout the world, but the greatest diversity of falconids is found in South America and Africa. All falconids are able hunters that can take a variety of prey, including insects, birds, mammals, herpetiles and carrion.
Oct 18, 2024 · Falcon, any of nearly 60 species of hawks of the family Falconidae (order Falconiformes), diurnal birds of prey characterized by long, pointed wings and swift, powerful flight. The name is applied in a restricted sense, as true falcons, to the genus Falco, which numbers more than 35 species.
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