The falcon is one of the predatory birds that symbolizes strength. It is a carnivorous animal belonging to the bird family. These birds possess an additional eyelid that moves from side to side and is partially transparent, allowing them to see through it while still protecting their eyes.
Falcons are considered one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica, as well as several oceanic islands.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
Falcon Diet
Falcons are strictly carnivorous animals, meaning they only eat meat:
- They primarily feed on small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, or mice.
- They also prey on birds such as pigeons or quails.
- Falcons may hunt larger animals like geese or even foxes.
When falcons are bred in captivity, they are fed ground meat from beef, chicken, or turkey mixed with a protein-rich supplement.
Usually, falcons consume their prey whole, but they may tear off pieces of meat to eat. Falcons have very sharp talons that help them kill their prey and tear it apart. They also have a very strong beak ideal for tearing meat.
The quantity of food falcons consume varies by species, but on average, they eat about 10% of their body weight daily. During particularly large feasts, they can consume up to a third of their body weight.
Reproduction in Falcons
Male falcons are known as tiercels and may be up to 30% smaller than females. Both birds reach sexual maturity at one year of age and then mate for life.
Falcons mate for life, dedicating themselves to one partner for years of breeding. However, this doesn’t mean they behave as mates; rather, falcons come together only for mating, then continue the rest of their lives as solitary hunters.
Pairs return to the same nesting site every year, often nesting on cliff edges or human-made tall structures like skyscrapers and industrial buildings.
Falcons lay about five dark brown, spotted eggs, which the female mainly incubates for 29 to 33 days, with the male assisting during the day. After the eggs hatch, the chicks are covered with creamy-white down and develop large feet. At this stage, the male and female leave the nest to search for food for their chicks. They must work hard as the chicks grow rapidly; their weight doubles in six days, and by three weeks old, they are ten times their birth size.
The young fly after hatching 42 to 46 days but remain dependent on their parents for about two months.
Key Facts About Falcons:
- Falcons have been recorded diving at speeds up to 242 miles per hour while hunting, making them the fastest animals on record.
- These birds are characterized by their aerodynamic bodies and pointed wings, along with cardiovascular and respiratory systems that allow them to flap their wings up to four times per second without fatigue.
- It is distinguished by his strong eyesight that helps him vision clearly eight times the human vision.
- This allows them to spot small prey from distances of about two miles away and accurately swoop down to capture it.
- Falcons are very fast, their average speed ranges from 40 to 55 km/h, and reaches 112 km/h when directly chasing their prey.
- Falcons migrate up to about 15,500 miles annually, moving between continents for breeding or in search of food.
- Falcons use their beaks as weapons, unlike other birds that rely solely on sharp talons on their feet to kill prey. They also have a sharp tooth-like projection at the end of their beaks, which they use to quickly sever the necks of their prey.
Types of Falcons
- Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): A fast-flying bird whose wings strike swiftly in the air. Typically, some falcons hover while scanning the ground for prey. They hunt birds of similar size or smaller in the air, while others primarily prey on wild rabbits, rodents, lizards, and insects.
- Bat Falcon (F. albigularis): Found in Mexico, Central, and South America, this small bird has a dark back, white throat, black-and-white striped chest, and reddish belly. It preys on birds.
- Collared Forest Falcon (Micrastur Semitorquatus): Found in tropical America, it hunts birds and reptiles in the jungle.
- Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans): Found in wooded lowland areas of Central and South America, it eats snakes.
- Prairie Falcon (F. mexicanus): A desert falcon found in valleys and lowlands in western North America.
- Pygmy Falcons (Polihierax): Small birds from tropical regions of the Old World, they feed on insects and birds.
- Crested Hawks: Several species of Aviceda, paper-thin birds from the Perninae subfamily of the Accipitridae family, found in Asia and the South Pacific. They hunt insects, particularly at twilight.
Uses of Falcons
Humans have used falcons for hunting small animals and birds since medieval times or the Renaissance era. In fact, the history of ancient artworks depicting falconry dates back to at least 3500 years ago in Mesopotamia and ancient Mongolia.
While falconry historically was an activity reserved for the elite and dominated by males, we have records of prominent women who enjoyed this hobby, such as Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Falconry is still practiced in various parts of the world today, with an international association boasting over 60,000 members.
Falcons and Endangerment
Falcons are listed as endangered species under wildlife protection laws. They became targets during World War II when they were killed to protect carrier pigeons.
Their numbers declined dramatically in the 1960s due to human persecution and the effects of pesticides on food.However, persecuted they are illegally killing to prevent predation of wild birds and race bath.
In North America, famous species like the bald eagle suffered greatly from the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.
Chemicals accumulated in the falcons’ prey, leading to the death of adult birds and weakening the shells of their eggs.
It was on the verge of extinction before DDT was banned.
Improvements in legislation and protection have helped their recovery, and they were delisted from the endangered species list in 1999.
However, persecuted they are illegally killing to prevent predation of wild birds and race bath.
Falcon Intelligence: Do They Think Before Striking?
Unlike other birds that hunt randomly, falcons plan their hunting process in a highly strategic manner. Their actions are based on several key factors, which include:
- Long-distance vision: which helps it spot prey from great heights.
- Reliance on experience: They store knowledge from past hunting experiences and use it to execute precise strikes.
- Environmental interaction: Falcons make use of environmental or weather changes—like wind direction and surrounding sounds—when deciding when to hunt.
In addition to this, falcons exhibit behavioral patterns that highlight an innate intelligence. They follow strategic approaches such as:
- Careful planning before attack: Falcons closely study the movement of their prey before striking.
- Environmental adaptability: They can instantly alter their hunting style based on current surroundings.
- Learning from past mistakes: Falcons remember their previous tactics and avoid repeating unsuccessful strategies.
How Do Falcons See the World? A View from the Sky
Falcons perceive the world in a manner that’s entirely different from humans. It can see colors more accurately and more widely. Notably, they are able to see ultraviolet rays. They also possess an exceptional ability to focus intensely on a specific target—making it easier to pinpoint prey. Some can see even in low light.
Their unparalleled ability to identify targets stems from:
- High speed: Falcons can reach speeds of up to 240 mph during flight, enabling rapid and precise strikes.
- Keen vision: Their sharp eyesight lets them detect prey even from great distances.
- Eye symmetry: Falcons have excellent binocular coordination, which allows them to judge distances with incredible precision.
Falcons in Battle and Mythology
Throughout history, falcons have been revered for their intelligence and skill. In ancient times, warriors used them during battles for tasks like:
- Locating enemy positions.
- Monitoring enemy movement from afar.
- Hunting small animals and gathering food for soldiers.
- Boosting morale as a symbol of strength and bravery.
Falcons have also held symbolic meaning across cultures:
- Power and courage in various civilizations.
- Wisdom, thanks to their strategic hunting methods.
- Freedom, due to their ability to soar high and far.
- Nobility and royalty, especially in Arab history where falcons were symbols of the elite.
Falcon Anatomy: A Perfect Design for Hunting
Several parts of a falcon’s body are specifically adapted to make them ideal hunters:
- Beak: Strong and curved to help them grip and tear prey easily. Some species even have beaks specially designed for specific types of prey—showing their ability to adapt.
- Wings: Long and powerful, enabling fast and agile flight. Some falcons have wings suited for particular weather conditions like high winds or high altitudes.
- Talons: Strong, sharp claws help it grasp and hold its prey. Falcons also use them for self-defense. Talon size and shape vary depending on the falcon’s species and preferred prey.
Can Falcons Be Raised at Home?
While not common, yes—it is possible to raise a falcon at home, but it requires strict adherence to several conditions:
- Legal requirements: You must acquire the appropriate licenses based on your country’s laws. It’s essential to confirm the species you’re raising isn’t endangered or protected.
- Environment: Falcons need wide open spaces to fly and train—ideally a large cage or an open-air enclosure. You must also provide suitable temperature and humidity levels, and protect them from predators and harsh weather.
- Diet: Falcons require a completely balanced diet of fresh meat (like small birds or mammals) and may also need special nutritional supplements.
Famous Falcons in History
- Gyrfalcon:
Known for its color range from white to dark grey with distinct dark spots. It is one of the largest falcon species, reaching up to 65 cm in length. They live in the polar regions and northern Europe and Asia, and eat small birds and mammals. - Peregrine Falcon:
Renowned as the fastest bird in the world, often found in mountainous and coastal areas. It has dark grey feathers with black markings on its head and face. It mainly preys on other birds. - Northern Goshawk:
Brownish-grey feathers with white and yellow markings across its body. It feeds primarily on small birds and rabbits. It inhabits open plains and semi-desert regions in Europe and Asia.
Modern Threats to Falcons: Technology and the Environment
Despite their great adaptability, falcons have not been immune to modern environmental threats:
- Pesticides: Falcons often ingest contaminated prey, harming their health and reducing prey availability—disrupting the food chain.
- Urban development: Expanding cities destroy falcons’ natural habitats, reducing available hunting grounds.
- Cell towers: These pose a significant threat. Falcons may collide with them, and the radiation may negatively affect their behavior, especially in hunting and reproduction.
FAQ:
What are the characteristics of the falcon?
What are the characteristics of the falcon?- Tremendous speed in flight and diving during hunting.
- Superior vision ability surpassing that of humans by multiples.
- Compact body and pointed wings enabling swift and precise flight.
- Superior muscular strength enabling endurance during fast flight.
- Use of its beak and talons as hunting weapons.
- Ability to adapt to a variety of environments and habitats.
- Ability to survive in harsh environmental conditions.
- Why do Arabs love falcons?
Arabs love falcons because of their symbolism in bravery and strength, their history, beauty, elegance, and their role in traditional hunting, making them a part of Arab heritage and culture.
- What is the difference between an eagle and a falcon?
The difference between an eagle and a falcon lies in size, with eagles being larger than falcons, and in hunting method, where eagles rely on soaring and hunting from the air, while falcons depend on swift diving for prey.
- Why are they called the Falcons?
Its name “falcons” comes from the Latin word “falco,” which means falcon or hawk. Falcons belong to the family Falconidae, which includes around 40 species of birds of prey known for their swift flight and hunting prowess. The name has been historically used to refer to these birds due to their characteristics and hunting behavior, and it has been passed down through various languages and cultures.
- What is Falcons best record?
One of the notable records associated with falcons is their incredible speed during hunting dives, particularly exhibited by the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The Peregrine Falcon holds the title of the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 242 miles per hour (389 kilometers per hour) when diving to catch prey. This remarkable speed makes it the fastest bird and the fastest animal recorded in powered flight.
In summary, falcons are carnivorous birds that prey on mammals large and small. They were threatened with extinction for a time but have regained their health.
