Falconids molt once per year, and immatures of most species attain adult plumage by the first annual molt. Some species, such as gyrfalcons exhibit light and dark morphs. Immature falconids typically exhibit plumage that is dull in color, often brownish with pale edges and more streaked than adults. Male and female plumage are similar in most species, though male plumage may be somewhat brighter. Sexual dichromatism occurs in a few species of falconids. In some species, females may also have a larger bill than males. This trait is most exaggerated in falconids that catch fast-moving prey, such as birds, and less pronounced in species that primarily eat carrion. Like other birds of prey, falconids exhibit reversed sexual size dimorphism (females are larger than males). Wing shape also varies fast, open-country species have long, pointed wings, whereas forest-dwelling species have more rounded wings and longer tails. Bird predators have long toes, where as insect- and mammal-catching species have shorter, fleshier toes. For example, the length and strength of the toes and beaks vary widely within the family and correspond to prey type. Individual species show variation from the basic structures that reflects the functions required by their habitat and prey. Plumage of most falconids is lighter below and darker above. Caracaras ( Polyborinae) are smaller than falcons, have longer necks and legs than falcons, thicker, flatter talons, more rounded wings, a semi-bare face that is often brightly colored, and often glossy black plumage. Falcons ( Falconinae) are typically stocky birds with pointed wings, long toes with sharp talons, hooked, notched beaks, and brown, black, gray or white streaked or mottled plumage. ( "Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)", 2002 Cade, et al., 1996 Snyder, 2001 White, et al., 1994)įalconids are medium-sized to large birds of prey (wingspan 55 to more than 125 cm, weight 28 to 2100 g), typically with hooked beaks, large brown eyes and a yellow cere, eyerings and feet. Males, females and juveniles of some species may winter in different habitats, the juveniles taking advantage of habitats with abundant prey but an absence of nest sites. Migratory species often choose winter habitat that is similar in structure to their breeding habitat. Other species, including most forest-falcons in Polyborinae, require more specific habitat, such as undisturbed forest interiors. A dramatic example of this adaptability are peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus) and kestrels that successfully breed in cities, nesting on tall buildings and other man-made structures and hunting pigeons and other urban wildlife. Most species are adaptable to various habitats, as habitat structure and availability of nest sites appear to be more important than specific vegetation. The highest diversity of falconids is found in the tropics, in open rather than forested habitats, and in lowlands rather than at high elevations. ( "Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)", 2002 Kemp and Newton, 2003 Snyder, 2001 White, et al., 1994)įalconids are found in nearly every terrestrial habitat, including desert, tundra, taiga, grasslands, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, forest, mountains, coastal areas, wetlands, estuaries, lake shores, agricultural areas, suburbs and cities. Africa and South America host the highest diversity of falconids. ( "Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)", 2002 "", 2003 Kemp and Newton, 2003 Sibley and Ahlquist, 1990 Snyder, 2001 White, et al., 1994) Geographic Rangeįalconids are native to terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, except in the high arctic and on Antarctica. Both the male and female provide parental care, with the male providing the majority of food for the female and nestlings. All but one species is monogamous, and pairs breed once per year, raising between one and six chicks. Most falconids are solitary and territorial, though a few species are colonial or semi-colonial. All falconids are able hunters that can take a variety of prey, including insects, birds, mammals, herpetiles and carrion. Falconidae contains 11 genera and 64 species, and is divided into two subfamilies, Polyborinae (caracaras and forest-falcons) and Falconinae (true falcons and falconets).įalconids can be found in most terrestrial habitats throughout the world, but the greatest diversity of falconids is found in South America and Africa. The Falconidae is one of two families within the order Falconiformes.
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