Falcon

I

Introduction

Falcon, common name for members of a family of birds of prey. Falcons are characterized by their long wings and their method of hunting, in which they rise above and swoop down on their prey. They also have a notch on the upper part of the bill (mandible), which is hooked. Their feet are powerful, with long, curved, sharp talons. As falcons drop on their prey, they seize and hold it, tearing it into pieces with the beak. Several species of falcons, notably the peregrine, have long been trained by humans as hunting birds (see Falconry).

The physical similarities between falcons and hawks led zoologists to classify falcons and hawks together in the same scientific order of birds. A detailed study of the DNA from falcons and other birds, however, has challenged this grouping. According to DNA research published in 2008, falcons are closely related to passerines (songbirds) and parrots, and did not evolve from the same common ancestor as hawks and eagles. Similar physical characteristics and behaviors found in unrelated animals that have adapted to similar lifestyles are examples of what is called parallel or convergent evolution.

Falcons range in size from 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 in); the female falcon is larger than the male, as is true of all diurnal birds of prey. Their nesting habits vary. Falcons 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 humanmade nestbox. Some species nest colonially. Female falcons lay four or five eggs, the color ranging in various species from white to reddish, mottled brown.

II

Types of Falcons

The peregrine falcon is blue-black on the head and back; its underparts are white with light brown stripes. It is found throughout the world and is one of the fastest of all animals, diving at speeds of more than 320 km/h (200 mph).

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Largest of the falcons is the gyrfalcon, females of which are about 64 cm (about 25 in) long. It nests in Arctic regions of both the Americas and Eurasia, and has color phases ranging from almost pure white to dark gray. The smallest falcons include the American kestrel, formerly called the American sparrow hawk. It ranges in size up to 27 cm (10.5 in) long. It is common in North America, even inhabiting cities, and feeds principally on insects, but also on small birds, mammals, and reptiles.

A slightly larger falcon, the merlin, 31 cm (12 in) long, is found in both Eurasia and North America, where it was formerly called pigeon hawk. Another North American species is the appropriately named prairie falcon, a pale brown bird about 50 cm (about 19.5 in) long.

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Conservation Status

Most species of falcons are listed with status “least concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the Saker falcon is listed as endangered and a number of other species are listed as vulnerable or near threatened. The peregrine falcon was listed as endangered in the United States under the Endangered Species Act in 1970. Thanks to conservation efforts, the bird made a sufficient recovery to be removed from the listing in 1999.

Scientific classification: Falcons belong to the family Falconidae. They mainly make up the genus Falco. The peregrine is classified as Falco peregrinus and the gyrfalcon as Falco rusticolus. The American kestrel is classified as Falco sparverius, the merlin as Falco columbarius, and the prairie falcon as Falco mexicanus.

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