Falcon | Info and Photos

Falcons have thin, pointed wings, which allow them to dive at extremely high speeds. (Peregrine Falcons, the fastest animals on Earth, are said to have reached speeds of up to 200 mph.) Other falcons include the Gyrfalcon, Lanner Falcon, and the Merlin. Some small falcons with long, narrow wings are called hobbies

Falcons are strong, fierce birds with hooked bills and large feet armed with long, curved talons. Keen-eyed and swift in flight, they commonly pursue their prey—birds and small mammals—with rapid wing beats. Falcons usually nest in depressions scraped out on ledges of cliffs. Some build nests of branches and twigs in trees, and others nest in woodpecker holes. The females lay two to six eggs, usually creamy to buff and mottled with brown.

Falcons nest on high ground such as mountains and cliffs and in the tops of tall trees. This means that the vulnerable eggs and chicks of the falcon are in the safest place possible. Falcons start to breed when they are about a year old. Female falcons lay an average of 3 eggs per clutch and look after their chicks until they are big enough and strong enough to fend for themselves. Falcons are generally solitary birds and only really come together to mate. Although falcons are known to stay in the same place, many species of falcon are migratory birds and have been known to travel more than 15,000 miles per year.

 Falcon

 Falcon

 Falcon

 Falcon

Falcon

Falcon