Falco sparverius
This robin-sized raptor can often be spotted on telephone lines, looking for small rodents. After a kestrel spots it's prey, it hovers like a tiny helicopter then dives feet first onto it's victim.
|
FALCONS |
|
Hawks with long pointed wings, a long tail, notched beak and usually inhabits open areas |
|
|
American
Kestrel Falco sparverius This robin-sized raptor can often be spotted on telephone lines, looking for small rodents. After a kestrel spots it's prey, it hovers like a tiny helicopter then dives feet first onto it's victim. |
|
|
|
|
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Largest of the falcons, this bird is a denizen of northern climates. |
|
|
|
|
Merlin Falco columbarius Long and sharply tapered, the merlin's wings are made for hunting. Masters of flight, these falcons have large and awkward feet, allowing them to catch small birds in flight, large insects, and small mammals. Slightly larger than kestrels, merlins are also known as pigeon hawks. |
|
|
Peregrine
Falcon Falco peregrinus Clocked in excess of 200 miles per hour, this bird dips and dives, catching waterfowl, pigeons, and other birds. Peregrine falcons are now highly adapted to city life, nesting on skyscrapers and tall towers. Their populations plummeted in the 1970's and 1980's due to the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning. Only captive-breeding efforts kept this beautiful falcon from becoming extinct. |
|
|
Prairie
Falcon Falco mexicanus A relative of the peregrine falcon, prairie falcons prefer wide-open prairies. Prairie falcons take most of their prey near the ground using a combination of speed and maneuverability to catch birds and small mammals. |
