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A Beginners Guide to North American Falcons


Falcons are similar to hawks and are characterized by their long wings
and by a notch on the upper part of the bill which is hooked.

The feet are powerful, with long, curved, sharp talons.

They are also similar to hawks in hunting, in which they rise above and
swoop down on their prey. As falcons drop on their prey, they seize
and hold it, tearing it into pieces with the beak.


In size they range from 6 to 24 inches. The female falcon is larger
than the male.

The nesting habits vary; the birds 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 nest box.

Four or five eggs are laid, the color ranging in various species from
white to reddish, mottled brown.


Largest of the falcons is the gyrfalcon, females of which are about 25
inches long.

The smallest falcon is the American kestrel. It ranges in size
up to 10.5 inches long.

It is common in North America, even inhabiting cities, and feeds
principally on insects, but also on small birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Several species of falcons have long been trained as hunting birds.

Picture of a Falcon




Falcons belong to the family Falconidae of the order Falconiformes.

Types of North American Falcons Include:

American Kestrel
Aplomado Falcon
Gyrfalcon
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon


See Also:

Index of North American Birds

Hawks

Falconry


Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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