![]() Now that we have a clear understanding of the Falconidae family let’s further look into the Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus). In contrast, caracaras prey on larger animals, fruits, lizards, insects, fish, and even frogs.įurthermore, in terms of hunting methods, this varies depending on their diets and can range from using their speed to strike their prey, swoop down to catch their prey off guard, or run on land to catch insects and other types of prey. However, their diets will vary from species to species and depending on what region in the world they live in! For example, the peregrine falcon feeds mainly on other birds. The Falconidae DietĪs mentioned previously, these birds are carnivores that prey on other birds, reptiles, and small mammals. However, smaller subspecies such as the falconets incubate for shorter periods in comparison to larger species such as gyrfalcons. Additionally, the incubation period varies between different species, anywhere from 28 to 35 days. Further, female Falconidae species incubate their eggs while the male birds hunt for prey. Like many bird species, the mates will remain monogamous.įurthermore, both falcon and caracara species breed once a year and typically lay one to six eggs. However, unlike caracara species who build a nest together once they have settled with their chosen mate, falcons burrow in the cavity of a rock or tree holes. Falcon and Caracara ReproductionĪs do other species of birds, Falconids have rituals in courting a mate, such as showing their flying abilities. Caracaras can be found in the southern United States, and Latin America, where they inhabit grasslands, desserts, and scrublands. Where do Falcons and Caracaras Live?įalcons can be found on every continent with the exception of the high arctic and Antarctica, where they inhabit forests, tundra, and deserts. Interestingly enough, unlike other bird species, females are larger than males. In terms of their feathers’ color, these species of birds typically embody deep browns, black, white, gray, and in some cases, have a patterning throughout their feathers. Physical CharacteristicsĪs mentioned earlier, unlike other raptors, falcons and caracaras are characterized as being relatively small to medium in size depending on their subspecies that range from approximately 14 cm – 65 cm(5.5 inches to 2 feet, 1.6 inches) in length, and 28 grams to 2.1 kg(0.988 ounces to 4.6 pounds) in weight, which is lighter than what you may have assumed! They have powerful hooked beaks, sharp talons to capture the prey, and of course, impeccable eyesight like other raptors. ![]() There are approximately 60 species of falcons and caracaras that make up the Falconiformes order. How Many Species of Falcons and Caracaras are There? Caracara bird close-up profile view with a foliage bokeh background displaying beautiful feathers, head, eye, beak, legs, feet, in its environment and surrounding. In other words, birds of prey, including falcons and caracaras, hunt and feed on vertebrates, which are a type of animal that has a spinal cord like humans! However, unlike other birds of a prey, such as eagles, hawks, and vultures, who are relatively large in size compared to other birds, both falcons and caracaras are small to medium in size. If you remember from our previous article about eagles, which are also classified as birds of prey, you will remember that these types of birds are also commonly referred to as raptors. Both falcons and caracaras are classified as being birds of prey. ![]() Witten by: Niki Giovanis What are Falcons and Caracaras?įalcons and caracaras are two types of birds that belong to the same order, called Falconiformes. Let’s dive deep into the world of falcons and caracaras with these interesting facts.
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