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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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What Our Birders Say
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Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
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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!
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
778
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!
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
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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