Falcon, common name for members of a family containing 60 species of hawks. They are characterized by their long wings; their method of hunting, which is to rise above and swoop down on their prey; and by a notch on the upper part of the bill (mandible), which is hooked. The feet are powerful, with long, curved, sharp talons. As the birds drop on their prey, they seize and hold it, tearing it into pieces with the beak. In size they range from 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 in); the female falcon is larger than the male, as is true of all diurnal birds of prey. The nesting habits vary; the birds may construct a loosely built nest in a tree, lay eggs on a bare ledge on a rocky cliff, or use a hollow tree or manmade nestbox. Some species nest colonially. Female falcons lay four or five eggs, the color ranging in various species from white to reddish, mottled brown.
Several species of falcons, notably the peregrine, have long been trained as hunting birds (see Falconry). The peregrine is blue-black on the head and back; its underparts are white with light brown stripes and it is found throughout the world.
Largest of the falcons is the gyrfalcon, females of which are about 64 cm (about 25 in) long. It nests in Arctic regions of both the Americas and Eurasia, and has color phases ranging from almost pure white to dark gray. The smallest falcons include the American kestrel, formerly called the American sparrow hawk. It ranges in size up to 27 cm (10.5 in) long. It is common in North America, even inhabiting cities, and feeds principally on insects, but also on small birds, mammals, and reptiles. A slightly larger falcon, the merlin, 31 cm (12 in) long, is found in both Eurasia and North America, where it was formerly called pigeon hawk. Another North American species is the appropriately named prairie falcon, a pale brown bird about 50 cm (about 19.5 in) long.
Scientific classification: Falcons belong to the family Falconidae of the order Falconiformes. They mainly make up the genus Falco. The peregrine is classified as Falco peregrinus and the gyrfalcon as Falco rusticolus. The American kestrel is classified as Falco sparverius, the merlin as Falco columbarius, and the prairie falcon as Falco mexicanus.
