Some species nest colonially.įemale falcons lay 2 to 5 eggs, the color ranging in various species from white to reddish, mottled brown. The nesting habits vary they may construct a loosely built nest in a tree, lay eggs on a bare ledge on a rocky cliff, or use a hollow tree or manmade nestbox. The male makes bold aerobatic flights that might include loops, tight turns, and swooping dives.
Every year falcons re-establishing their bond through a complex set of ritualistic courtship behaviors. Although falcons are known to stay in the same place, many species of falcon are migratory birds and have been known to travel more than 24,000 kilometers (15,000 miles) per year.įalcons mate for life and breed in the same territory each year. Hours after eating, a falcon will regurgitate a pellet, containing any feathers, fur or small bones swallowed accidentally.įalcons are generally solitary birds and only really come together to mate. They have good but not exceptional hearing, and their sense of smell is poor.įalcons are strong, fast fliers with great aerial agility, which makes them successful hunters capable of taking prey 6 times their own body weight! Usually they kill cleanly, breaking the back of their victims.įalcons kill with their beaks, using a “tooth” on the side of their beaks - unlike the hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey in the Accipitridae, which use their feet.įalcons are carnivores, feeding on rodents, frogs, fish, small reptiles, bats and birds. They can see up to 8 times more clearly than the sharpest human eye. Most species of falcon are dark brown or grey-colored with white, yellow and black spots and markings on the body.įalcons are diurnal birds of prey and hunt during daylight hours.įalcons have excellent eyesight which they use to locate their prey.
They are characterised by a bullet-shaped body commonly long, pointed wings a medium to long tail long toes with sharp, hooked claws and a short, hooked, usually notched bill. It is 18–23 centimeters 7-9 inches long with a wingspan of 40–45 centimeters (16-18 inches) and weight 73-87 grams (2.5-3 unces). The Seychelles kestrel ( Falco araea) is the smallest falcon species. It is up to 61 centimeters (24 inches) long withwingspan up to 130 centimeters (51 inches) and weight up to 1,350 grams (47.6 ounces). The gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species. Some species can live up to 25 years in captivity. They have a lifespan between 12 and 20 years in the wild, depending on species. They are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica.įalcons live in nearly all types of habitats including: Arctic tundra, wetlands, prairies, savannah, deserts, coastal areas, mountains, forests, rainforests and even urban areas. There are about 40 species of falcons worldwide. Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco.
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