Falconidae – Falcons & Caracaras

Falco Mexicanus – Prairie Falcon

In western North America, the prairie falcon, or known in Latin as Falco Mexicanus is a big falcon. Like a peregrine falcon or a crow, it measures 40 cm (16 in) long, has a wingspan of 40 cm (13 in), and weighs 720 g. (1.6 lb). Female falcons are larger than males. The prairie falcon, […]

Falco Peregrinus – Peregrine Falcon

Known as the peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus, commonly known as the duck hawk in North America, is a raptor in the family Falconidae. The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest bird, reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its signature hunting stoop (high-speed dive). Peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being much bigger than […]

Falco columbarius – Merlin

Known as the merlin, Falco columbarius is a tiny falcon found in North America and Eurasia in the family of Falconidae. The merlin is a raptor that nests in the northern Holarctic and migrates to subtropical and northern tropical areas in the winter. Males have wingspans of 53–58 cm (21–23 in), females are somewhat bigger. […]

Falco Sparverius – American Kestrel

The sparrow hawk, Falco sparverius, is the smallest and most frequent falcon in North America. Its size varies by subspecies and sex, from a blue jay to a mourning dove. It is a well-established species with 17 subspecies suited to various conditions and habitats in the Americas. Its size (females are somewhat bigger) and plumage […]

Caracara Plancus – Crested Caracara

The crested caracara, Caracara plancus, is a falconid in the family of falconidae. On the east coast of Florida, it has been spotted as far as extreme eastern Seminole County (Lake Harney), where it is currently classified as a resident although least concerned. Quick Overview: Caracara Plancus – Crested CaracaraBody size: Around 20-25 in (51-64 […]

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