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An introduction to Falcons and relations

Facts

There are about 35 species that belong to the genus Falco. This is a Latin word, which means scimitar shaped, and refers to the wing shape of falcons. Falcons generally have long, slightly curved, pointed wings. Closely related to the falcons are the Caracaras. These are less dramatic in flight than the falcons, and several species will spend a large amount of their time on the ground. They are confined to Central and South America and there are eight species.

Features

Although there is tremendous variation in size, shape and colour throughout the genus, there are some similarities worth noting. Most falcons have a rounded head with a short powerful beak, often with a notch in the top mandible. This notch is usually called a "falcon's tooth" and can be used by the bird to dispatch their prey. Falcons have large dark eyes and when at rest their long pointed wings will "cross" over their tail. Falcons range in size from the tiny Red-legged Falconet, which is the size of a sparrow, up to the Gyr Falcon which has a wingspan of nearly four and a half feet (1 .35m) and can weigh nearly four and a half pounds (2kg).

General

Falcons are renowned for their speed, and this can be attributed to the well-known Peregrine Falcon. As one of the most successful birds on the planet, the Peregrine is often endowed with almost supernatural powers of speed, strength, and ability. Like some other falcons, the Peregrine is capable of diving from great heights (called "stooping") and reaching very high speeds. Regardless of the Peregrine's maximum speed, there is no doubt that it is a successful and masterful hunter. It has an exceptionally wide range, and breeds on every continent (except Antartica). Across this range there are many different sub-species, or races, but the basic form of the Peregrine remains the same.
Virtually all falcons are active hunters, and they will rarely eat carrion. They mainly rely on what they catch or what they have stored (or "cached") from a previous kill. Although the falcons are renowned for their speed, some species rely on agility to catch their prey. Compared with the falcons, caracaras are not very predatory. Most of them rely on scavenging, but they are quite capable of catching live prey. Some caracaras have colourful plumage, and all of the species are considered to be among the most intelligent of all birds of prey.

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