Falcon

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For other uses, see Falcon (disambiguation).

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Falcons | image = USAF falcon.jpg | image_width = 200px | image_caption = Hybrid white gyrfalcon and saker falcon. | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Aves | ordo = Falconiformes | familia = Falconidae | genus = Falco | genus_authority = Linnaeus, 1758 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = About 37; see text. }} A Falcon is any of several species of bird of the genus Falco, such as the Peregrine Falcon which are raptors or birds of prey.

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Overview

These birds have thin, pointed wings, which allow them to dive at extremely high speeds. Peregrine Falcons, the fastest birds on Earth, are said to have reached stoop speeds of up to 200 mph.

Other falcons include the Gyrfalcon, Lanner Falcon, and the Merlin. Some small insectivorous falcons with long, narrow wings are called hobbies, and some which hover as they hunt for small rodents are named as kestrels.

The traditional term for a male falcon is a "tiercel". It is so called because it is roughly a third smaller than the female.

The technique of hunting with captive birds of prey is known as falconry.

The falcons are part of the family Falconidae, which also includes the caracaras, Laughing Falcon, forest falcons, and falconets.

In February 2005 the Canadian scientist Dr Louis Lefebvre announced a method of measuring avian IQ in terms of their innovation in feeding habits. Falcons were named among the most intelligent birds based on this scale.

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