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Caracaras, Falcons

The Falconidae family consists of approximately 65 species of diurnal birds of prey, including falcons, caracaras, and falconets. They are divided into three subfamilies: Herpetotherinae, Polyborinae, and Falconinae. These birds vary significantly in size and weight, with the smallest species being the black-thighed falconet at 35 grams and the largest, the gyrfalcon, reaching up to 1,735 grams. Characterized by hooked bills, curved talons, and exceptional eyesight, their plumage primarily consists of earthy tones with patterns of barring. Sexual dimorphism is uncommon, although a few species show variations in plumage boldness between the sexes. Falconids are found worldwide except in some extreme environments and have adapted to a range of habitats from tundras to deserts. Some species, like the widespread peregrine falcon, have an extensive natural breeding range, while others, such as the Mauritius kestrel, are restricted to specific islands. Most falconids are solitary hunters and feed on a diet of birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects, and carrion. Their feeding behaviors vary; some are fast flyers while others, like the caracaras, are more sedentary. Many species are solitary nesters, but a few breed in colonies. Nests are often appropriated from other birds or found on cliff ledges. They lay 2-4 eggs, with incubation and fledging times dependent on body size. Human interactions with falcons and caracaras have been complex, from ancient worship to sport hunting in falconry to persecution for predation on livestock. This relationship has resulted in at least one species' extinction and many others being endangered. The falcon family taxonomy has seen various classifications with disagreements among authorities regarding subfamily groupings. Molecular studies have shown genetic correlations among certain genera, suggesting taxonomic revisions. The family Falconidae includes forest falcons, laughing falcon, falcons, kestrels, falconets, and several species of caracaras. Fossil evidence of Falconidae also hints at a long evolutionary history with extinct genera known from Miocene and Pliocene deposits.

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Species Categories

AccentorsAfrican & New World ParrotsAlbatrossesAuksAustral Storm PetrelsBarn OwlsBee-eatersBulbulsBuntingsBustardsCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesChats, Old World FlycatchersCisticolas & AlliesCockatoosCormorants, ShagsCoursers, PratincolesCranesCrows, JaysCuckoosDucks, Geese, SwansFigbirds, Orioles, TurnagraFinches, EuphoniasFlamingosFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGoldcrests, KingletsGrassbirds & AlliesGrebesGuineafowlGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoopoesHummingbirdsIbises, SpoonbillsIndigobirds, WhydahsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLaughingthrushes & AlliesLeaf Warblers & AlliesLongspurs, Snow BuntingsLoonsMockingbirds, ThrashersNew World SparrowsNew World VulturesNew World WarblersNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsNuthatchesOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOwlsOystercatchersPelicansPenduline TitsPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPloversRails, Crakes & CootsReed Warblers & AlliesRollersSandgrouseSandpipers, SnipesSheathbillsShrikesSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSwallows, MartinsSwiftsSylviid BabblersTanagers & AlliesThrushesTits, ChickadeesTreecreepersTropicbirdsTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWaxwingsWeavers, WidowbirdsWoodpeckersWrensYellow-breasted Chat

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I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
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Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
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Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
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Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
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Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
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Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Chudbond
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I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
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