Falcons can reach speeds of 220 miles per hour.
Falcons are amazing birds because of their ability to swoop in on their prey quickly from high altitudes. They are a type of raptor, or bird of prey. Subspecies of the falcon include the brown falcon, The peregrine falcon, and the Lanner falcon. The most common species of the falcon in the Americas is the peregrine falcon, also known as duck hawks. While the mortality rate for these birds is high, they can live to be 15 years old in the wild.
Identification
Falcons are medium-size birds and some have a wingspan of up to 4 feet. They are easily distinguishable because the black feathers on their heads form the shape of a helmet. Falcons also have dark feathers around their beaks, which resemble a mustache. Their beaks have a tooth-like projection on each side. The tips of falcon wings are sharp and thereby easy to distinguish, according to Extreme Science.
Geography and Habitat
Falcons live on every continent on the earth and even live in the Arctic. Peregrine falcons have the longest migration of any North American bird with treks as far as 15,500 miles, according to the All About Birds website. Falcons like living high and they nest on cliffs, along mountain ranges and in river valleys. As they become accustomed to life in cities, they can also be found nesting along the tops of tall city buildings. Their nests are called scrapes and baby falcons are called eyasses.
History
Falcons are often referred to as "nature's finest flying machine," according to Raptor Resource, clocking in at speeds reaching 220 miles per hour. Their incredible speed and eyesight make them natural wonders as they spot prey from hundreds of feet in the air and dive down on them within seconds.
Diet
Falcons are birds of prey, with medium- to small-size birds making up the bulk of their diet. They eat ducks, pheasants, doves, waterfowl, songbirds and pigeons. At times, they will eat small mammals such as mice and rats.
Conservation
The peregrine falcon was labeled endangered in 1973 with fewer than 10 living at that time. Populations have improved but the same threats to their survival years ago remain the same today. Pesticides are the primary threat to the bird's survival, as they contaminate the birds' habitats and newborn falcons.
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