# Falcon Falcons are fast-flying birds of prey known for their sharp talons and keen eyesight. They soar high in the sky and dive down to catch their prey with incredible speed. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Hawk Falcon ![Falcon](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426567/objects/6079.jpg) ## Appearance The Falcon has a sleek, powerful body with long, pointed wings perfectly shaped for speed. Many species feature distinct dark 'malar stripes' on their faces, resembling a mustache. Their plumage often combines shades of grey, brown, white, or rufous, sometimes with intricate barring or spotting. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Accipitriformes - **Family:** Falconidae - **Genus:** Falco ## Interesting facts - Instead of building nests, falcons often use high cliff ledges or old nests of other large birds. - Many falcons sport a dark 'malar stripe' on their face, making them look like they have a mustache! - Some falcons can hunt flying insects right out of the air with incredible agility. - The fastest animal on Earth is a falcon in its hunting dive, reaching amazing speeds! ## Special abilities - **Supersonic Stoop:** Falcon can dive from great heights at speeds over 300 km/h because of its aerodynamic body and pointed wings that help them catch prey. - **Eagle Eyesight:** Falcon has incredibly sharp vision that helps them spot tiny prey from distances of over a mile away, even while flying. - **Precision Talon Grip:** Falcon can snatch fast-moving prey mid-air with powerful talons that helps them secure their meal instantly. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 20-65 cm - **Wingspan:** 40-130 cm - **Weight:** 0.1-2.1 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 390 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-6 - **Incubation:** 28-35 days - **Migration Distance:** 22000 km ## Diet & Feeding Falcons are skilled hunters that mostly eat small animals they catch with their speedy dives. - **Age differences:** Juvenile falcons are taught hunting techniques by their parents before they become independent. - **Primary Foods:** Small Birds, Rodents, Insects, Small Reptiles - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [European Starling](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-starling) (*Sturnus vulgaris*) — Common prey for many falcon species. - **Hunts:** Meadow Vole (*Microtus pennsylvanicus*) — A primary food source for smaller falcons. - **Hunts:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Often caught by falcons in urban settings. - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — Can prey on smaller or young falcons. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire falcons from a distance as they are wild birds and may feel threatened by close approach. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Falcon? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Falcon? 20-65 cm ### What is Falcon's wingspan? 40-130 cm ### How much does Falcon weigh? 0.1-2.1 kg ### How long does Falcon live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Falcon move? 390 km/h ### What does Falcon eat? Falcons are skilled hunters that mostly eat small animals they catch with their speedy dives. ### Where is Falcon usually found? Mountain regions ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Falcon: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/falcon)