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falcons Surface kind of bird that is related to hawks and eagles. They have a very wide wingspan, making them one of the fastest flying birds in the world. Falcons hunt by looking at prey on the ground from above and then quickly diving down to catch it. Falcons live all over the world and can survive in a variety of habitats such as forests, prairies or deserts.
Falcons generally eat small mammals such as rabbits or squirrels, but sometimes they also prey on larger prey such as deer. Some falcon species can even dive at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour! Several species even occasionally feed on other birds, reptiles, fish or insects.
Want the full scoop on what falcons eat? We take a closer look at their diet, how they hunt and more!
What do falcons eat?
Falcons mainly eat small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, rats, or gophers in North America. They also enjoy eating birds like pigeons or quail. Falcons are known to occasionally take down larger animals such as geese or even a fox. In a study of the diet composition and prey choice of New Zealand falcons, the New Zealand Journal of Ecology found that avian prey (birds) were the main source for falcons during the breeding season, accounting for 97% of the prey frequency!
Falcons are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat and do not eat plants like other birds.
Falcons usually eat their prey whole, but they also tear off pieces of meat to eat. Falcons have very sharp claws, which allow them to kill and chop up their prey. Falcons also have a very strong bill that is perfect for ripping meat. How much falcons eat varies by species, but in general they eat an average of 10% of their body weight per day and can eat up to 1/3 of their body weight during a special big party.
The foods Falcons eat include:
- deer
- squirrels
- rats
- rabbits.
- pigeons
- starlings
- sparrows.
- snakes
- chickens
- Cost
- Eggs
In captivity, falcons eat ground beef, chicken or turkey mixed with a high protein supplement.
How do falcons hunt their prey?
Falcons use their keen eyesight and sharp claws to catch prey. They often perch in high places, such as trees or telephone poles, so that they can better see their prey. When they see a possible meal, they quickly fly down and grab it with their claws. Falcons are very fast fliers and can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Falcons usually hunt at dawn or dusk when their prey is most active. Falcons need a lot of energy when hunting, so they eat a large percentage of their body weight!
What impact does a falcon’s diet have on other species?
Falcons eat small birds, reptiles, invertebrates and mammals, and more. Not only are falcons important to the food chain because they prey on small birds, but in many urban settings they often control animal populations that can become overwhelming. For example, in many cities peregrine falcons have become the main hunters of birds such as pigeons.
Do people keep falcons as pets?
Falcons are not domesticated animals. Falcons are usually kept by falconers for hunting purposes.
Falconry is the hunting of wild quarries in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. Falcons have been part of human hunting for over 4,000 years, from ancient Greece to the Middle Ages Europe. Falcons were especially popular during the period from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, as they gave their owners both prestige and practical benefits. There are now only a few falconers who hunt with falcons to protect kings and the nobility has all but disappeared.
Are falcons dangerous to humans?
when falcons attacking people, it’s usually because they were provoked. Falcons should be left alone and not fed or verbally confronted to avoid attacks. In general, falcons will avoid humans and will not attack prey larger than a certain size. With the largest falcon in the world – the gyrfalcon – weighing only about three pounds, falcons are not harmful to humans or other large animals.
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