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Falcon

Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco, a group of diurnal raptors known for long pointed wings, swift flight, and notched beaks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco, a group of diurnal raptors known for long pointed wings, swift flight, and notched beaks. In a broader sense, the term can also refer to birds in the family Falconidae, which includes falcons and related birds such as caracaras. Falcons occur on most continents except Antarctica.

Taxonomy

True falcons belong to the genus Falco within the family Falconidae. Sources differ slightly on the exact species count, but commonly place true falcons at about 39 to 40 species.

Physical traits

Falcons are characterized by long, pointed wings, acute vision, and a hooked, notched beak. Their beaks have a tomial tooth that helps them kill prey, distinguishing them from many other birds of prey.

Behaviour and feeding

Falcons are active hunters that typically strike prey in flight or from above. They feed on a range of animals, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Distribution

Falcons are widespread across terrestrial habitats and occur on every continent except Antarctica. Diversity is especially high in South America and Africa for the broader falcon family.

Key facts

  • Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco.
  • They are diurnal hunters with long, pointed wings and a hooked, notched beak.
  • Falcons use a tomial “tooth” on the beak to dispatch prey.
  • Some small falcons are called hobbies, and some hovering species are called kestrels.
  • Falcons are found on all continents except Antarctica.
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Canadian context

Peregrine falcons and other falcons are found across Canada, including urban and coastal areas, making them familiar birds to Canadian readers; the broader family has conservation and wildlife-management relevance in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a falcon?
A falcon is a bird of prey in the genus Falco, known for its speed, pointed wings, and hooked beak.
How many species of falcons are there?
Sources commonly describe about 39 to 40 true falcon species in the genus Falco.
Where do falcons live?
Falcons are found worldwide on all continents except Antarctica.
What do falcons eat?
Falcons hunt a variety of prey, including birds, insects, mammals, and other small animals.
What is the difference between falcons and hawks?
Falcons are not hawks; they are separate birds of prey with different taxonomy and a distinctive beak tooth used in killing prey.
What is falconry?
Falconry is the practice of training falcons or other birds of prey to hunt small game for humans.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon
    Supports: Genus Falco, approximate species count, distribution, taxonomic distinction, hobbies and kestrels, tomial tooth.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/falcon-bird
    Supports: Falcons as diurnal birds of prey, long pointed wings, swift flight, true falcons in genus Falco.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/falcon
    Supports: Physical description, prey, falconry, distribution, eggs, and size range.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/falcons
    Supports: Family Falconidae, true falcons in genus Falco, tomial teeth, distribution outside Antarctica.
  5. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Falconidae/
    Supports: Family composition, habitat distribution, diversity, and general traits of falconids.
  6. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falcon
    Supports: Definition of falcon and distinction as birds used in falconry or in Falconidae.