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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.

Regions

A photo of a American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) , male

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius
A photo of a Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis)

Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

Collared Forest Falcon

Micrastur semitorquatus
A photo of a Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus
A photo of a Gyr Falcon (Falco rusticolus)

Gyr Falcon

Falco rusticolus
A photo of a Hobby (Falco subbuteo)

Hobby

Falco subbuteo
A photo of a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) , male

Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus
A photo of a Merlin (Falco columbarius) , male

Merlin

Falco columbarius
A photo of a Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)

Peregrine

Falco peregrinus
A photo of a Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus
A photo of a Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) , male

Red-footed Falcon

Falco vespertinus
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Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
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