Falconiformes

The most familiar members of this diverse family are the 'true falcons', such as Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), the fastest aerial predator, which is found worldwide. Others include Black-thighed Falconet (Micorhierax fringillarius) of southeast Asia, the tiniest bird of prey; the more terrestrial, omnivorous caracaras, comprising 11 New World species, the forest-dwelling, Accipiter-like forest falcons (Micrastur) and Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans), both of which are found in the Neotropics. The family is united by a variety of structural features, a unique primary molt progression, and the similar chemical composition of their eggshells.

Additional information

Falcons have tomial 'teeth' on the cutting edge of the maxilla and corresponding notches on the mandible, which aid in killing prey. These features are lacking in the caracaras and forest falcons. All falcons have strong legs and feet, and, with the exception of caracaras, long, sharp, and strongly curved talons. Forest falcons, which, unlike other members of the family, use auditory cues to locate their prey, have large, asymmetrically positioned ear openings. Laughing Falcon has rough, hexagonal tarsal scales, which are thought to provide protection against snakebites.

Usually solitary or found in pairs. Most species are territorial during the breeding season, and some also maintain a non-breeding territory. A few species form loose aggregations when prey is abundant, and two, Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus) and Lesser Kestrel (F. naumanni), are highly gregarious. A few species roost communally during migration or the non-breeding season; the most spectacular are large migratory roosts of Lesser Kestrel, which can number 70,000 birds. All family members are diurnal hunters, but some, such as Bat Falcon (F. rufigularis), are crepuscular. Basic foraging strategies include searching (either from a perch or hovering) and then pouncing, and capturing prey in the air.

These birds are generally monogamous; many probably mate for life. However, males are more attached to nest sites than females, and tropical species are poorly known. First breeding is at one year of age for smaller species, and two to three years for larger species. Breeding is usually seasonal, even in the tropics, and most species raise one brood per year. A few species nest colonially, including Eleonora's Falcon (F. eleonarae) and Lesser Kestrel. Red-throated Caracaras nest cooperatively, and the groups shares parental duties including brooding and nest defense.

Taxonomy

Number of genera: 10

Number of species: 62

A list of all species can be found here.