Falcons are best known for their aggression and exceptional flying capabilities. Falcon bird is one of the fastest flying species on this planet. Talking about flying, they are lightning fast. They possess tempered wings that allow them to change their direction very quickly or abruptly. These super quick birds may reach speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour! It is one of the interesting falcon bird facts that is that wguke = stooping or capturing pray, they get even faster, reaching a speed of up to 238mph! These elite predators possess stunning hunting skills. Falcons have a fantastic sense of sight that enables them to locate their prey from almost a mile away. They brutally dive at the prey, grab it and kill it instantly. This ruthless creature shows no mercy towards its prey. Just keep on reading the article so that you may find interesting falcon information.

Falcon Habitat

Migratory Falcons have this propensity of switching their habitats too frequently. They are free wanderers and are distributed all around the world. These birds prefer high elevations and build their nests in urban habitats like landscapes or skyscrapers. Falcons nest in the safest available spots to make their kids and eggs least vulnerable to any external threat. Falcons are one of the most widespread birds in the world. They are found inhabiting every continent besides Antarctica and other oceanic islands.

Falcon Diet

Falcons consume birds of enormous varieties. A recent research states that around 450 different species of birds fall prey to falcons in North America and the number worldwide may be as many as 2,000 species. Their typical prey includes shorebirds, ducks, gulls, bats and pigeons among many others.

Falcon Predators

Despite their large size, aggression and ruthlessness, falcons have few natural predators and even fewer that are actually airborne. Among their major ground predators are humans and wolves. Airborne creatures like eagles and large owls have been known to hunt smaller species of falcons. Their eggs and chicks experience a constant threat of being eaten by other predators.

Falcon Species

Out of 39 falcon species, peregrine is the most commonly found and well known. Peregrine falcons, the most common birds of prey, are found abundantly in Canada. Other famous species include Gyrfalcon, Lanner falcon, Merlin falcon and laughing falcon. Falcon's height and size depends primarily on the species. Typically, falcon may range in size from 25cm to 60 cm as you can see in falcon pictures.

Falcon Threats

Their population underwent serious decline due to the excessive use of pesticides, mainly DDT. These pesticides have deleterious effects on falcons and can lead to death or to eggshell thinning that results in reproductive failure. Their populations have observed an upward shift since the ban on the use of poisonous chemicals such as DDT. I wish and I pray that these birds make strong and immediate recovery.

Conservation Status

National and international organizations have ensured their contribution in protecting these falcons. DDT poising put it into the endangered birds list. Extensive efforts have been made to conserve these ironic birds of prey from illegal persecution. A few concerned authorities have even raised their voice for the peregrine falcon to be placed on a list of priority species. The scenario may seem hapless, but a small effort on everyones part can create a huge difference!