![]() These color variations are known as morphs.įemale gyrfalcons are considerably longer and heavier than males and can be almost three times larger. Gyrfalcons have a peculiar trait when it comes to color, and birds can vary considerably in different regions.Ĭolors can range from stunning white to dark brown or gray with black markings on the chest. ![]() They only come south as far as the northern parts of Canada during winter. This unique bird species has been highly prized in falconry since ancient times.Īlthough gyrfalcons have been transported worldwide as sports birds, they occur naturally in the cold Arctic tundra regions. We have already mentioned that the gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the family. Their preferred habitats are river valleys, mountain ranges, coastlines, and increasingly cities, where these true falcons nest on tall places like buildings, towers, and bridges. These types of falcons are distributed across the globe, from North America to Oceania. Peregrine falcons feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons, waterfowls, phasianids, songbirds, and waders. Also, the females weigh up to 3.3 lbs, while the males weigh 2.2 lbs. (Yes, even faster than the cheetah!)įemales are about 30% larger than males, reaching up to 23 inches in body length and 47 inches in wingspan. Their speed can reach 240 miles per hour at this point, making them not only one of the fastest birds but also the fastest animals on the planet. These expert migrators use the technique called ‘the stoop’ when they dive at their prey. Peregrines are the fastest types of falcons, and of any type of bird, to be honest. Let’s learn more about the intriguing lives of some particular types of falcons. The four, lanner falcons, laggar falcons, saker falcons, and gyrfalcons, all look similar to peregrine falcons, but their patterning may resemble that of hawks. These are four falcon types that are very closely related. These birds dine predominantly on smaller birds and terrestrial vertebrates. True falcons are powerfully built and often have dark faces and caps. These are the fastest birds of the family and include peregrine falcons. There are nine species within this group. A large part of their diet consists of smaller birds. This group is characterized by their dark gray plumage, and they are often slightly smaller than other types of falcons with long, narrow wings. There are fifteen species in this group, and their preferred diet is vertebrates and invertebrates – the type depends on the size of the species. These are the following: KestrelsĮxcept for the American kestrel, the rest of the group is small with a sturdy build. Various types of falcons live on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.ĭifferent types of falcons are divided into four groups which have distinct characteristics. The largest is the gyrfalcon which can be 25 inches long, and the smallest is the pygmy falcon which only reaches a maximum length of 7.8 inches. There are at least 40 species of falcons. Peregrine falcons have been recorded reaching a top speed of 242 miles an hour! Falcon Types In the wild, they have lifespans of 12 – 20 years, and some captive birds have reached 25 years of age.Ī notable feature of falcons is that they take the honor of being the fastest creatures on Earth. They are diurnal birds which means that they hunt during the day. The group of birds referred to as falcons live solitary lifestyles. ![]() Eagles and hawks usually kill using their strong feet before ripping prey apart.Īlso, they have thin, tapered wings that allow these types of birds to fly and quickly maneuver at high speed. They are the largest genus in the family Falconidae, and their genus is called Falco.įalcons differ from other raptors like hawks and eagles as they have a specialized beak equipped with a tomial tooth specifically used to kill prey. Most types of falcons are simply majestic creatures What Is A Falcon?įalcons are highly specialized carnivores that actively hunt for prey which include reptiles, rodents, insects, smaller birds, and small vertebrates. We will begin our journey of discovery into the lives of falcons with some general information and follow that up with a closer look at a few falcon types. This field guide will help you know what clues to look for to be able to quickly identify some key species. Since these majestic birds of prey live and hunt silently, it may seem impossible to distinguish different types of falcons from each other. Although all types of falcons are birds of prey, each species is quite distinct.įalcons are uniquely adapted to life as apex predators and are known for their stealthy hunting and incredible speed.
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