Order Falconiformes FamilyFalconidae
The Falconidae family includes falcons, kestrels, and caracaras. Small to medium-sized diurnal raptors differ from hawks and their allies by using their beaks instead of their feet to kill prey. Falconiformes have hooked bills, sharply curved talons, and excellent eyesight. They also have relatively long, pointed wings made for speed and lift. Their plumage typically consists of browns, whites, chestnut, blacks, and greys, often with barring or patterning. Females are larger than males, and their plumages have little difference.
Virtually all the core falcons have a tomial “tooth,” which is a notch in the cutting edge of the upper bill. Many forest falcons have bare facial skin and a soft mass near the base called a cere, as do almost all caracaras.
1. Genus Caracara
They are found in North and South America.
1.1. Crested Caracara or Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Description: Crested Caracaras have striking and noticeable long flattened black crown feathers that can resemble crests when raised. They have bright orange-red faces, bluish bills, and long yellow legs. Their lores, malars, and suborbital areas are naked. The colors of their facial skin rely on their age and mood.
They have black upperparts, upper wing coverts, and bellies. Their necks, mantles, and breasts are white, and they become black-tipped with fine blackish chevrons. Their tails are whitish with broad black terminal bands.
- Length – 19-24 inches (49-64 cm)
- Weight – 32-56 ounces (900-1600 g)
- Wingspan – 47-51 inches (120-130 cm)
Similar to Southern Caracaras, Northern Caracaras are not found in North America, and Northern Crested Caracaras are not found in Argentina. Northern Crested Caracaras have blackish lower backs, while Southern Caracaras are pale with dark barring.
Habitat: Crested Caracaras prefer open or semi-open habitats such as grasslands, pastures, pampas, and ranch lands with cattle. They can also be found near humans and may concentrate near food sources.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Crested Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Crested Caracaras have fragmented distributions. They breed from southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia to eastern Brazil. They winter south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.
1.2. Southern Caracara or Southern Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
Description: Southern Caracaras have striking and noticeable bright orange-red faces, bluish bills, long yellow legs, and long flattened black crown feathers that can resemble crests when raised. Their lores, malars, and suborbital areas are naked. The colors of their facial skin rely on their age and mood.
They have greyish upperparts with black barring, upper wing coverts, and bellies. Their necks, mantles, and breasts are white, and they become black-tipped with fine blackish chevrons. Their tails are whitish with a broad black terminal band.
- Length – 19-24 inches (49-64 cm)
- Weight – 32-56 ounces (900-1600 g)
- Wingspan – 47-51 inches (120-130 cm)
Similar to Northern Caracaras, Southern Caracaras are not found in North America, and Northern Caracaras are not found in Argentina. Northern Crested Caracaras have blackish lower backs; Southern Caracaras are pale with dark barring.
Habitat: Crested Caracaras prefer open or semi-open habitats such as grasslands, pastures, pampas, and ranch lands with cattle. They can also be found near humans and may concentrate near food sources.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Southern Crested Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution. Southern Crested are found in Central and Southern America.
2. Genus Daptrius
There is only one species in this genus.
2.1. Black Caracaras (Daptrius ater)
Description: Black Caracaras have glossy black plumage with a distinctive white band on the base of their tails with white rumps, red-yellow bare facial skin, and yellow legs.
- Length – 16-19 inches (41-47 cm)
- Weight – Average 12 ounces (330 g)
- Wingspan – 36-39 inches (91-100 cm)
Habitat: Black Caracaras inhabitgallery and secondary forestsand woodedsavannas. They can also be found in mangroves and disturbed and recently burnt forested habitats along the rivers.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Black Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Black Caracaras are found in Northeast and East Colombia, Northwest, South, and East Venezuela, as well as the Guianas. They extend south through Amazonia to East Ecuador, East Peru, North Bolivia, and Central Brazil.
3. Genus Falco
These birds of prey are distributed across all continents except Antarctica. There are about 40 species.
3.1. Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)
Description: Amur Falcons have sooty gray upperparts with lighter gray on their underparts, rufous thighs, and vents. They have orange ceres, eye-rings, and feet. Their white underwing coverts are conspicuous when they are in flight.
The females’ upperparts are a lighter gray, with a larger blackish mustache. Their underparts are white with dark chevrons, and their lower bellies and vents are off-white.
- Length – 11-12 inches (28-30 cm)
- Weight – 3-6 ounces (97-155 g)
- Wingspan – 25-28 inches (63-71 cm)
Habitat: Amur Falcons’ breeding habitat is open wooded country with marshes. In winter, they inhabit open grasslands and fringes.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Amur Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Amur Falcons breed in East Asia, from theTransbaikalia,Amurland, and northern Mongolianregions to parts ofNorth Korea.In winter, they migrate to Southern Africa.
3.2. Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis)
Description: Aplomado Falcons have dark blue-grey upperparts and heads, with the typical falcon “mustache.” They also have a white supercilium with black eye-line and white throats. Their bibs are white with black patches that meet in the middle, while their bellies are light cinnamon. Their tails are black with narrow gray bars and white tips. Their ceres, eye-rings, and feet are yellow-orange. Both sexes are similar, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 12-16 inches (30-40 cm)
- Weight – 7-11 ounces (208-305 g)
- Wingspan – 30-36 inches (70-100 cm)
Similar to:
- Peregrine Falcons. Aplomado Falcons have white eyebrows (supercilium); Peregrine Falcons do not.
- Prairie Falcons. The Aplomado Falcons have white bibs, but the Prairie Falcons do not.
Habitat: Aplomado Falcons inhabit drygrasslands,savannas,pastures, and marshes. They have also been seen in coastal prairies and large cities.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Aplomado Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Aplomado falcons range from central and southwestern North America to South America.
3.3. Barbary Falcon (Falco pelegrinoides)
Description: Barbary Falcons have gray-blue upperparts, darker crowns, and typical falcon “mustache.” Their underparts are a buff wash with dark, narrow bars. Their napes are rufous, and legs are yellow. Sexes are alike, but females are bigger.
- Length – 13-15 inches (33-39 cm)
- Weight – 12-17 ounces (350-480 g)
- Wingspan – 30-36 inches (76-98 cm)
Barbary vultures are similar to Peregrine Falcons. They have paler upperparts and are smaller than Peregrine Falcons.
Habitat: Barbary Falcons inhabit semi-desert areas and dry open hills.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Barbary Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Barbary Falcons are found in North and East Africa, the Middle East, Gibraltar, Central Asia, and South Asia.
3.4. Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
Description: Bat Falcons have dark slate gray upperparts and heads. Their throats, upper breasts, and sides of their necks are white. Their breasts are black with narrow white barring. Their bellies, thighs, and undertail coverts are cinnamon. They have a long black tail with fine white barring. Their ceres and orbital rings are yellow, and their legs are orange-yellow. The sexes are alike, but females are larger.
- Length – 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
- Weight – 4-5 ounces (108-150 g)
- Wingspan – 25.6-26.4 inches (65-67 cm)
Similar to Orange-breasted Falcons. Orange-breasted Falcons are much larger than Bat Falcons. Bat Falcons have more extensive barring on the underparts, which is finer.
Habitat: Bat Falcons inhabit tropical forests. They prefer unbroken mature forests but also occur at the forest edges, on wooded savannas, on open land with few trees, and even in suburban and urban areas.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Bat Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Bat Falcons can be found in eastern Colombia, the Guianas, Trinidad, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern and eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina.
3.5. Black Falcon (Falco subniger)
Description: Black Falcons have dark gray or sooty brown plumage and bluish-gray bills. They have long tails; their ceres, eye rings, and feet are pale grey. Their eyes are dark brown, and their beak tips are black. The talons are also black. Both sexes look similar, but females are larger.
- Length – 18-22 inches (45-56 cm)
- Weight – Average 21 ounces (582 g)
- Wingspan – 37-45 inches (95-115 cm)
Habitat: Black Falcons typically inhabit arid and semi-arid zones, often found near watercourses, open wooded grasslands, saltbush plains, bluebush plains, and other low vegetation.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Black Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Black Falcons are endemic to mainland Australia.
3.6. Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)
Description: Brown Falcons have dark and light morphs with various intermediates. They have mostly brown heads with two narrow black streaks on the side of their heads, and their crowns are lighter with off-white chins. Their wings are mottled red-brown with dark quills. Their bills are light blue/gray, and their eyes are brown. The lighter morphs have mostly light, rufous underparts. Sexes are alike, but females are larger.
- Length – 16-20 inches (41-51 cm)
- Weight – 11-21 ounces (316-590 g)
- Wingspan – 35-45 inches (88-115 cm)
Habitat: Brown Falcons are commonly found in open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, farmlands, and deserts. In rural areas, they often perch on power lines and fence posts.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Brown Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Brown Falcons are found in Australia and Tasmania.
3.7. Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)
Description: Eleonora’s Falcons mainly come in two morphs: dark and light. The more common pale morphs have whitish throats, cheeks, whitish-to-buff breasts, and bellies with black stripes. The darker morphs have all-black underparts. In flight, the darker morphs have dark underwing coverts in contrast to the paler, unbarred flight feathers. Both morphs have sooty brown upperparts. The ceres and orbital rings are yellow in the males and blue in the females. They have yellow feet.
- Length – 14-17 inches (36-42 cm)
- Weight – 12-14 ounces (350-390 g)
- Wingspan – 33-41 inches (84-105 cm)
Habitat: Eleonora’s Falcons occur in and around open woodlands, forests, wetlands, paddy fields, and lakes.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Eleonora’s Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Eleonora’s Falcons breed on coastal cliffs and islands of the Mediterranean and winter in Madagascar, with small numbers also in Mozambique and the Mascarene Islands.
3.8. Gray Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)
Description: Gray Falcons are one of the world’s rarest falcons. They have gray upperparts with white underparts, faint dark streaks under their eyes, and black wingtips. Their bills are mostly gray-tipped black, the irises are dark brown, and ceres, bill bases, orbital rings, and feet are bright orange-yellow. The sexes are similar, although females are slightly larger.
- Length – 13-17 inches (33-43 cm)
- Weight – 12-15 ounces (339-438 g)
- Wingspan – 34-38 inches (86-97 cm)
Habitat: Gray Falcons are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions but can also be spotted in open woodlands or grasslands outside of these areas.
Conservation: The IUCN classifies Gray Falcons as Vulnerable (VU), primarily due to overgrazing in arid zone rangelands and the clearance of open woodland in the semi-arid zone for marginal farming.
Distribution: Gray Falcons are endemic to inland Australia.
3.9. Laggar Falcon (Falco jugger)
Description: The Laggar Falcons have grayish-brown upperparts, rusty white to rufous crowns, white supercilium, white cheeks, and the characteristic black falcon “mustache.” Their underparts are whitish, with some dark belly and flank markings. They have dark brown eyes, yellow ceres, orbital rings (pale grey-green in juveniles), and yellow legs. Both sexes look similar, but females are larger. Juveniles have more dark streaking on their chests and bellies.
- Length – 15-18 inches (39-46 cm)
- Weight – 15-38 ounces (420-1100 g)
- Wingspan – 35-42 inches (88-107cm)
Habitat: Lagger Falcons inhabit open, arid, semi-arid regions, including dry woodlands, cultivated areas, villages, and cities.
Conservation: The IUCN classifies Lagger Falcons as Near Threatened (NT) due to the intensification of pesticide use and low prey availability resulting from spreading cultivation.
Distribution: Lagger Falcons are found in the Indian Subcontinent, ranging from southeast Iran, southeast Afghanistan, and Pakistan through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and northwestern Myanmar.
3.10. Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
Description: Lanner Falcons have slatey-gray upper parts, with a black falcon “mustache,” white cheeks, rufous crowns, reddish mantles, and pinkish buff underparts, usually with fine dark spots on the breasts and belly. They also have dark bars and spots on their flanks and thighs. Their front foreheads are white, with yellow ceres, orbital rings, and legs. Additionally, their tails have 8-12 narrow dark bars. Both sexes look similar, but females are darker and larger than males.
- Length – 15-19 inches (39-48 cm)
- Weight – 15-21 ounces (430-600 g)
- Wingspan – 35-44 inches (88-113 cm)
Similar to Saker Falcons. Lanner Falcons have reddish mantles; Saker Falcons have grayish-brown mantles.
Habitat: Lanner Falcons inhabit open or lightly wooded areas near cliffs or rocky gorges. They are also found in open savannas, sour grasslands, and sometimes agricultural lands.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Lanner Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Lanner Falcons are found in Europe, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East.
3.11. New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)
Description: New Zealand Falcons are mostly dark brown on their backs and heads. They have streaked cream breasts and rufous coloring under their tails and thighs. They also have a broad “mustache” stripe, a slight rufous supercilium, and dark-streaked rufous cheeks. Their eyes are dark, with yellow ceres, orbital rings, and feet. Both male and female falcons look similar, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 14-19 inches (36-48 cm)
- Weight – 9-18 ounces (252-500 g)
- Wingspan – 26-36 inches (66-91 cm)
Habitat: New Zealand Falcons inhabit native and exotic forests, adjacent grasslands, and farmlands where suitable bush remnants remain. They are also seen in urban gardens and cities.
Conservation: IUCN has listed New Zealand Falcons as Least Concern (LC). Although they were formerly in decline, they are now suspected to be stable, if not increasing.
Distribution: New Zealand Falcons are endemic to New Zealand.
3.12. Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus)
Description: Orange-breasted Falcons have bluish-black upper parts, black heads, cheeks, and white throats. Their upper breasts are buffy, rufous-orange. Their underparts show a black vest that is coarsely patterned with prominent markings of ochre to white, which are especially visible on the flanks. The lower belly, undertail coverts, and tarsus are orange-rufous. Their orbital rings, ceres, and feet are yellow. Sexes are alike, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 15-15.7 inches (35-36 cm)
- Weight – 11.5-15 ounces (325-425 g)
- Wingspan – Average 33 inches(83 cm)
Similar to Bat Falcons. Orange-breasted Falcons are much larger than Bat Falcons. Bat Falcons have more extensive barring on their underparts, and the barring is finer.
Habitat: Orange-breasted Falcons can be found in various habitats, including tropical rain and semi-deciduous forests with cliffs for nesting. They also reside in savanna edges, drier regions, and human-modified landscapes, but only if mature forests are the dominant habitat.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Orange-breasted Falcons as Near Threatened (NT) mainly due to accelerating deforestation in the Amazon Basin.
Distribution: Orange-breasted Falcons are found from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.
3.13. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Description: Peregrine Falcons have slate-gray to bluish-black upper parts, black heads, and typical falcon “mustache.” Their necks and upper breasts are white, with rusty lower breasts with narrow black barring. Their ceres, orbital eye rings, and feet are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females are larger than males and are more heavily marked below.
- Length – 14-19 inches (36-49 cm)
- Weight – 9-18 ounces (410-1060 g)
- Wingspan – 31-45 inches (79-114 cm)
Similar to:
- Aplomado Falcons. Aplomado Falcons have white supercilium, Peregrine Falcons do not.
- Barbary Falcons. Barbary Falcons have paler upperparts than Peregrine Falcons.
- Gyrfalcons. Gyrfalcons are larger than Peregrine Falcons. Peregrines have “sideburns” and eye-rings.
- Prairie Falcons. Adult Peregrine Falcons have horizontal lines on their bellies, and Praire Falcons have vertical lines.
- Taita Falcons. Peregrine Falcons have strongly streaked underparts; Tait Falcons have relatively plain underparts.
Habitat: Peregrine Falcons inhabit extremely varied habitats, from the tropics to cold deserts and marine environments. They prefer cliffs and escarpments in savannas, woodlands, and urban areas.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Peregrine Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution. Peregrine Falcons breed worldwide, from Morocco to Malaysia, Greenland to Greece, Australia to Argentina, and India to Iraq. They live and breed on every continent except Antarctica.
3.14. Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Description: Prairie Falcons have gray-brown upper parts and pale underparts with some dark mottling. They have a white supercilium with the typical falcon “mustache.” They have black “wingpits” and wingtips. Their ceres and legs are yellow. Sexes are alike, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 14.5-18.5 inches (37-47 cm)
- Weight – 14.8-39 ounces (420-1100 g)
- Wingspan – 35.4-44.5 inches (90-113 cm)
Similar to:
- American Kestrels. Prairie Falcons are significantly larger, with gray-brown backs, while American Kestrels have rufous backs.
- Aplomado Falcons. Aplomado Falcons have white bibs, while Peregrine Falcons do not.
- Peregrine Falcons. Adult Peregrine Falcons have horizontal lines on their bellies; Praire Falcons have vertical lines on their bellies.
Habitat: Prairie Falcons inhabit open areas, arid plains, and steppes, wherever cliffs or bluffs are present. Their foraging habitats are usually over grasslands.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Prairie Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Prairie Falcons breed across western North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico. During winter, they spread their ranges east to the Mississippi River and west to the Pacific coast.
3.15. Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
Description: Red-footed Falcon males have mainly blue-gray plumage except for their red under-tails and legs. They have gray under-wings. Their orbital rings and ceres are yellow-orange. They have white faces, black eye stripes, and small falcon “mustaches.” Females have gray upperparts with barring, orange heads, and underparts.
- Length – 10.6-12.6 inches (27-32 cm)
- Weight – 4.6-5.6 ounces (130-160 g)
- Wingspan – 25.6-29.5 inches (65-75 cm)
Habitat: Red-footed Falcons inhabit typical steppe-type habitats, open areas with some tree cover. They are also found in cultivated areas, orchards, and pastures. In winter, they reside in grasslands, savannas, and scrublands.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Red-footed Falcons as Vulnerable (VU) mainly because of the loss and degradation of foraging habitats caused by the intensification of agriculture. The use of pesticides is another reason.
Distribution: Red-footed falcons are found in Central Europe, extending eastward through northern central Asia to extreme northwestern China and the upper Lena River. During winter, they mainly migrate to southern western Africa, from Angola, Namibia, and northern South Africa through Botswana to Zambia and Zimbabwe.
3.16. Red-necked Falcon (Falco chickquera)
Description: Red-necked Falcons have pale gray upperparts with bright red rufous crowns and napes. They have white faces with dark, typical falcon “mustaches.” Their tails have narrow bars and broad subterminal black bands tipped with white. Their underparts are white, with barring on their lower bellies, flanks, and thighs. Their orbital rings, ceres, and legs are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 11-13.4 inches (28-34 cm)
- Weight – Average 5.64 ounces (160 g)
- Wingspan – 21.7-27.6 inches (55-70 cm)
Habitat: Red-necked Falcons are found in open areas, semi-desert, savannah and riverine forests.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Red-necked Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Red-necked Falcons have two distinct populations: one in India and the other in sub-Saharan Africa.
3.17. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)
Description: Saker Falcons are also known as Altai Falcons. They have white to brown streaked crowns with a dark typical “mustache,” broad white eye-line, white throats, and whitish underparts with heavy dark streaking. They have grayish-brown upperparts. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females are larger.
- Length – 18–22inches (45–57 cm)
- Weight – 26–35 ounces (730–990 g)
- Wingspan – 38–50inches (97–126cm)
Similar to Lanner Falcons. Lanner Falcons have reddish mantles; Saker Falcons have grayish-brown mantles.
Habitat: Saker Flacons inhabit various habitats, from grasslands, steppes with scattered trees, and open woodland to mountainsides and high plateaus.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Saker Falcons as Endangered (EN) primarily due to electrocution from power lines, loss and degradation of steppes and dry grasslands through agricultural intensification, and establishment of plantations. Illegal trapping and poisoning through pesticides have also been recorded.
Distribution: Saker Flacons occur in a wide range from the Palearctic regions from central and eastern Europe to western China. They are also found in Africa.
3.18. Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
Description: Taita Falcons have pale, rufous underparts with small stripes, rufous patches on their napes, and white throats. Their upperparts, crowns, and “mustaches” are dark, almost black. Their tails are greyish, and their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Females are larger than males and are a bit duller in color.
- Length – 9.8–11inches (25–28 cm)
- Weight – 7.5-8.2ounces (212-233 g)
- Wingspan – 8.0-8.2inches (20.2 to 20.8 cm)
Similar to Peregrine Falcons. Peregrine Falcons have strongly streaked underparts, and Taita Falcons have relatively plain underparts.
Habitat: Taita Falcons are cliff-dwelling falcons that inhabit highlands and mountainous areas. They also prefer closed, unfragmented woodlands.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Taita Falcons as Vulnerable (VN) primarily due to pesticide spraying. Threats also include rural development and agricultural encroachment on the core habitat surrounding breeding cliffs.
Distribution: Taita Falconsamur, named after the Taita Hills in Kenya, are found across much of East Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.
3.19. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
Description: Gyrfalcons are the largest of the falcon species. Their plumage varies in different areas, from striking to silvery gray to dark-sooty brown. Their ventral surfaces are usually horizontally barred towards the back and spotted towards the front. Their underparts are streaked or barred. They have white feathers with dark markings on the upper and underparts. Their bare parts are yellow. These birds have long legs, often completely covered by dense thigh feathers.
- Length – 19–24inches (48-61cm)
- Weight – 27-51ounces (769–1450 g)
- Wingspan – 41.3-53inches (105–135cm)
Habitat: Gyrfalcons breed in some of the harshest environments in the world: the Arctic and alpine tundra, often along rivers and seacoasts. During winter, they inhabit large open areas.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Gyrfalcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Gyrfalcons are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
3.20. African Hobby (Falco cuvierii)
Description: African Hobbies have blackish upperparts and heads with the typical falcon “mustaches.” They have deep rufous underparts, cheeks, and necks. Their facial skin, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Females are larger than males.
- Length – 10.2–12.2inches (26–31cm)
- Weight – 4.4-6.3ounces (125–178 g)
- Wingspan – 23.6-28.7inches (60–73cm)
Habitat. African Hobbies are found on the edge of moist woodlands, flood plains, and forests, which are more common in palm savannas and gallery forests.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the African Hobby as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: African Hobbies are found in Senegambia, from east to Ethiopia and south to northern central Namibia, Zimbabwe, western Mozambique, and northeastern South Africa.
3.21. Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)
Description: Australian Hobbies have dark black caps with the typical falcon “mustache,” whitish foreheads, necks, and chins. They have blue-gray upperparts and rufous underparts. The ceres in adults are pale yellowish-grey, the eye rings are pale blue, their eyes are brown, and their feet are dull yellow.
- Length – 11.8–13.8inches (30-35cm)
- Weight – 4.7-10ounces (132-280 g)
- Wingspan – 26-34.2inches (66-87cm)
Habitat: Australian Hobbies inhabit open forests, including monsoon rainforests, woodlands, savannas, adjacent treeless habitats, wooded farmlands, and vegetated urban areas with plenty of trees.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Australian Hobby as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Australian Hobbies occur throughout mainland Australia, including offshore islands.
3.22. Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Description: Eurasian Hobbies have slate-gray upperparts with dark crowns and two short, black, typical falcon “mustaches.” Their throats and cheeks are white. Their underparts are white with broad dark streaks. Their thighs and undertail coverts are rufous. Their orbital rings, ceres, and feet are yellow. Sexes are alike, but females are larger.
- Length – 11–14inches (29–36 cm)
- Weight – 6.2–10.1 ounces (175–285 g)
- Wingspan – 29–33inches (74–84 cm)
Habitat: Eurasian Hobbies inhabit open woodlands, heathlands, wooded steppes, pastures, cultivation areas with clumps of trees, and wetlands.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Eurasian Hobby as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Eurasian Hobbies breed in Europe and Northwestern Russia, Central Asia, Northern Pakistan, Northern India, Nepal, and Northern China, and migrate to Central and Southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia during winter.
3.23. Oriental Hobby (Falco severus)
Description: Oriental Hobbies have slate-gray mottled upper parts with black heads, white collars, throats, and rufous striped underparts. Their ceres, orbital eyes, and feet are yellow. Sexes are alike, but females are slightly larger.
- Length – 9.4–11.8inches (24–30cm)
- Weight – 5.9–8.8 ounces (168–249g)
- Wingspan – 24–27.1inches (61–69cm)
Habitat: Oriental Hobbies inhabit lowland forested areas, woodlands, deciduous and evergreen forests, tea plantations, and paddy fields. They are also found on building ledges or on cliffs.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Oriental Hobby as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Oriental Hobbies are found in the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent, across the eastern Himalayas, and range southwards from Indochina to Australasia.
3.24. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Description: American Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America. They have blue-gray crowns, white faces, and two typical black “mustaches.” Their upperparts up to the nape are rufous with black barring.
Their wings are blue-gray with black spots, and their upper tails are rufous with broad subterminal black bands and white tips. Their bellies and flanks are white with black spotting. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Females differ from males by being bigger, their underparts being more rufous, and their wings being rufous with barring.
- Length – 8.7-12.2inches (22-31 cm)
- Weight – 5.9–8.8 ounces (168–249g)
- Wingspan – 20–24 inches (51–61 cm)
Similar to:
- Common Kestrels. Ranges do not overlap.
- Merlins. American Kestrels have bold stripes on their heads; Merlins do not.
- Prairie Falcons. Prairie Flacons are much larger. American Kestrels backs are rufous, and Prairie Falcons backs are gray-brown.
Habitats: American Kestrels are found in various habitats, including open to semi-open grasslands, meadows, and deserts. They can also be found in urban and suburban areas and agricultural fields.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the American Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: American Kestrels are the sole kestrels found in the Americas, ranging from northern Canada to the southernmost tip of America.
3.25. Australian Kestrel, also Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
Description: Australian Kestrels have brown to rufous upper parts with gray heads, tails, and dark tear marks. Their underparts are pale with rufous streaks. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females have rufous heads and are larger than the males.
- Length – 11-14inches (28-35 cm)
- Weight – 4.3-6.9 ounces (121-195 g)
- Wingspan – 26-31 inches (66-78 cm)
Habitat: Australian Kestrels are found in lightly wooded areas, open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, farmlands, urban areas, and beaches. They are also seen on telephone lines and power lines.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Australian Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Australian Kestrels arenative to Australia and New Guinea.
3.26. Banded Kestrel, also Madagascar Barred Kestrel (Falco zoniventris)
Description: Banded Kestrel’s upper parts are gray, and their tails are dark with white spots. The underparts are whitish with brown streaks on their throats and upper breasts and broad gray barring on the rest of the underparts. Their ceres, orbital eyes, and feet are yellow.
- Length – 9.8-11.4inches (25-29 cm)
- Weight – 6.4-8.5 ounces (180-240 g)
- Wingspan – 23.6-26.8 inches (60-68 cm)
Habitat: Banded Kestrels inhabit forest edges and clearings in forests and woodlands, including sisal, coffee, and vanilla plantations.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Banded Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Banded Kestrels are endemic to Madagascar.
3.27. Common Kestrel, also Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Description: Common Kestrels have blue-gray heads and tails. Their upperparts are light chestnut with black spots, and their underparts are paler with black dotted bars. Their vents are pale, and their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females are larger. Females have rufous heads and more heavily barred underparts.
- Length – 12.5-15.5inches (32–39cm)
- Weight – 4.75-8.8 ounces (136-252 g)
- Wingspan – 25.5-32.5 inches (65-82 cm)
Similar to Lesser Kestrels. Male Lesser Kestrels have negligible dots; male Common Kestrels have many dots. Females of these species are more difficult to differentiate. Lesser Kestrels calls are chay-chay-chay; Common Kestrels’ calls are kee-kee-kee.
Habitat: Common Kestrels can be found in open and lightly wooded areas, shrublands, marshlands, farmlands, and heathlands. They are frequently observed in grassy areas near roads and airports and perched on wires and posts.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Common Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Common Kestrels occur in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
3.28. Dickinson’s Kestrel (Falco dickinsoni)
Description: Dickinson’s Kestrels are also known as White-rumped Kestrels. They have dark gray upperparts, contrasting with their pale, almost white heads and light gray underparts. Their tails are gray with black bars and broad subterminal bands. They have yellow ceres, orbital rings, and bare skin around their bills. Their bills are dark, and their eyes are brown. Males and females look similar, but females are larger.
- Length – 11-12inches (27-30cm)
- Weight – 5.9-8.7 ounces (167-246 g)
- Wingspan – 24-27 inches (61-68 cm)
Habitat: Dickinson’s Kestrels are commonly found in low-lying areas, particularly with baobabs or tall palm trees. They also inhabit coconut plantations.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Dickinson’s Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Dickinson’s Kestrels can be found from Angola to Tanzania and south to Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
3.29. Fox Kestrel (Falco alopex)
Description: Fox Kestrels are mainly rufous with narrow black barring. They have long, graduated, rufous tails with black barring and dark, unbarred flight feathers. Their underwings are slightly paler than their bodies.
- Length – 13-15inches (32–38cm)
- Weight – 8.8–10.6ounces (250–300g)
- Wingspan – 30–35inches (76–88cm)
Habitat: Fox Kestrels are often found around cliffs and rocky hills with dry savannas.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Fox Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Fox Kestrels are found south of the Sahara from Mali eastwards as far as Ethiopia and north-west Kenya. They occasionally wander west to Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea and south to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
3.30. Gray Kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus)
Description: Gray Kestrels have uniformly gray plumage except for darker wingtips, faint dark streaking on their bodies, and slightly barred flight feathers. They have bright yellow eye-rings and bases of their bills and feet. The tops of their heads are flattish.
- Length – 11-13 inches (28-33cm)
- Weight – 8.8–10.6ounces (205-255g)
- Wingspan – 22.8–28.3inches (58-72cm)
Habitat: Gray Kestrels inhabit savannas and open woodlands with forest clearings. They favor areas with Palm trees.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Gray Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Gray Kestrels are found across West and Central Africa, extending from Kenya to Ethiopia in the east and to the northern regions of Namibia and Zambia in the south.
3.31. Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides)
Description: Greater Kestrels have mainly rufous plumage with dark bars on their upper wings and flanks. Their breasts are darkly streaked. Their heads also have streaks found in common and lesser kestrels, but they do not have malar stripes. Their rumps and tails are gray with black bars, and their tails are tipped with white. They have whitish Irises (distinguishing feature), their bills are blue-gray, and their ceres and feet are yellow.
- Length – 11-15 inches (29-37cm)
- Weight – 6.4–11.8ounces (181-334g)
- Wingspan – 27–33inches (68-84cm)
Habitat: Greater Kestrels inhabit open desert scrub, grasslands, steppe, and arid areas with scattered trees, especially acacias.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Greater Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Greater Kestrels are found in the eastern regions of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, southwestern Zambia, and much of South Africa.
3.32. Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
Description: Lesser Kestrels have brown unspotted backs, blue-gray heads, and tails with dark subterminal bands and pale barred underparts. Their underwings are largely pale gray. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Females are similar to males but are larger, with darker-streaked upperparts and dark-streaked underparts.
- Length – 11-13 inches (27-33cm)
- Weight – 4.9–7.3ounces (138-208g)
- Wingspan – 25-28inches (63-72cm)
Similar to Common Kestrels. Male Lesser Kestrels have few dots, while male Common Kestrels have many. Females of these species are more challenging to differentiate, but Lesser Kestrels are smaller. Lesser Kestrels’ calls are chay-chay-chay, while Common Kestrels’ calls are kee-kee-kee.
Habitat: Lesser Kestrels inhabit open, hot, and dry countries with extensive cultivation. They are also found around towns.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Lesser Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Lesser Kestrels breed across a range from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, migrating to Africa and Pakistan for the winter, with occasional sightings in India and Iraq.
3.33. Madagascar Kestrel and Malagasy Kestrel (Falco newtoni)
Description: Madagascar Kestrels come in two different color forms. They have a rufous back, a barred tail, and a dark “mustache” marking on their faces. They can have either rufous or white underparts. The darker forms have dark heads and necks, deep chestnut backs, and underparts. Both males and females have slate grey bills with black tips and yellow ceres. Their legs are either yellow or bright orange for the rufous morph.
- Length – Average 11.8 inches (30cm)
- Weight – 4.0-4.2ounces (112-118g)
- Wingspan – 19.3-24.8inches (49-63cm)
Habitat: Madagascar Kestrels can be found in various habitats, including open country, natural grasslands, marshes, plantations, croplands, road verges, and even in towns and villages, where they nest under eaves.
Conservation: IUCN has listed the Madagascar Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Madagascar Kestrels are endemic to Madagascar and the Aldabra Islands.
3.34. Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus)
Description: Mauritius Kestrels have rufous backs and heads with dark barring and spots on their mantles. They have striped heads, the dark, typical falcon “mustache,” pale underparts with black streaks on their chests and spots and chevrons on their lower breasts and bellies. Their tails are rufous with black bars. The sexes are similar, but females are larger.
- Length – 10.2-12 inches (26-30.5cm)
- Weight – 4.3–6.3ounces (123-178g)
- Wingspan – 19.3-22inches (49-56cm)
Habitat: Mauritius Kestrels arefound in secondary habitats and remnant natural habitats.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Mauritius Kestrels as Endangered (EN) primarily due to deforestation and pesticide spraying.
Distribution: Mauritius Kestrels are endemic to the Mauritius Islands.
3.35. Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolis)
Description: Rock Kestrels have gray heads and tails with black subterminal bands. Their backs and upper wings are chestnut with black spotting, and their underparts are paler with black spots. They have whitish vents and underwings lightly barred. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. The sexes are similar, but females are larger and more heavily spotted.
- Length – 11.8-13 inches (30-33cm)
- Weight – 6.5–9ounces (183-254g)
- Wingspan – 22.4-31inches (57-79cm)
Habitat: Rock Kestrels inhabit arid areas, grasslands, Karoo shrublands, and light savannas with rocky outcrops.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Rock Kestrel as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Rock Kestrels are found from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania and south to South Africa.
3.36. Seychelles Kestrel (Falco araeus)
Description: Seychelles Kestrels are small kestrels with rufous spotted upperparts, dark blue-gray heads, and rumps with the typical falcon “mustache” on their faces. Their underbodies are unspotted pale buff. Their tails are blue-gray with black stripes, broad sub-terminal bands, and white tips. Cres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Sexes are similar, but females are duller and slightly larger.
- Length – 7.0-9.0 inches (18–23cm)
- Weight – Averages 2.6 ounces (73 g)
- Wingspan – 15.7-17.7inches (40–45cm)
Habitat: Seychelles Kestrels inhabit secondary scrub with crags, cultivated areas, plantations, open urban areas, and remnant natural habitats.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Seychelles Kestrels as Vulnerable (VN) primarily due to pesticide use, peaks in commercial cinnamon cultivation, and logging. Other factors contributing to their vulnerable status include nest predators such as the Green-backed Heron, the introduced Black Rats, feral domestic cats, Barn Owls, and Common Mynas. The latter two can also compete for nest sites and food.
Distribution: Seychelles Kestrels are endemic to the granitic islands ofSeychelles.
3.37. Spotted Kestrel (Falco molluccensis)
Description: Spotted Kestrels are also known as Moluccan Kestrels. They are heavily marked reddish-brown falcons with dense spotting on their backs, underparts, and wings, contrasting sharply with their gray tails. Their tails have one broad subterminal band with white tips. They have obvious pale necks and almost unmarked under tail-coverts. Their ceres, orbital rings, and feet are yellow. Both sexes are similar, but females are more heavily barred, and their gray tails have nine dark bands.
- Length – 10-12.5 inches (26–32cm)
- Weight – Averages 5.7 ounces (162 g)
- Wingspan – 23-28 inches (59–71cm)
Habitat: Spotted Kestrels are found in various open habitats, such as cultivated and urban areas, grasslands, grazed lands, sparsely wooded forests, and coconut plantations. They are also seen along logging roads.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Spotted Kestrels as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Spotted Kestrels inhabit most of the Indonesian Archipelago and are spread through Wallacea and Java.
3.38. Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Description: Merlins have blue-gray dorsal plumage, ranging from black to silver-gray, with a white supercilium and necks. Their underparts are buff to orange with heavy streaks. Their tails are black with white sub-terminal bands. Their undertail coverts are typically whitish with dark feather shafts. Ceres and legs are bright yellow. (during breeding, the male’s legs get noticeably orange). Sexes are similar, but females are larger.
- Length – 9.4–13.0inches (24–33cm)
- Weight – Averages 5.8 ounces (165 g)
- Wingspan – 20–29inches (50–73cm)
Similar to American Kestrels, Merlins lack the bold stripes found on the heads of American Kestrels.
Habitat: Merlins are found in various habitats, from grasslands to open forests, especially coastal areas with shorebirds and along rivers. Often winter in cities throughout their ranges, where they frequently perch on buildings, power poles, and tall trees and are also seen in parks and cemeteries,
Conservation: IUCN has listed Merlins as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: During the breeding season, Merlins have a wide variety of distribution, mostly in Europe, North America, and Asia, including Japan and northeastern Russia. In winter, they migrate to subtropical areas, particularly lowland areas such as coastal salt marshes and farmlands.
4. Genus Herpetotheres
There is only one species in the genus.
4.1. Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
Description: Laughing Falcons have blackish-brown wings and backs. Their heads, sides of their necks, and whole underparts are buffy to whitish buff. They have broad black masks that extend around their necks to form collars. They have dusky black feather shafts on their crowns that show as narrow streaks and small bushy crests on the rear of their crowns.
Their tails are black with white strips and tips. Their upper tail coverts are pale buff to cream. They have black bills with pale yellow to orange-yellow ceres, and their feet are dull yellow.
Laughing Falcons gets their name from their vocalization.
- Length – 18-22inches (45-56cm)
- Weight – 14.4-24 ounces (408-686 g)
- Wingspan – 31-37inches (79-94cm)
Habitat: Laughing Falcons are found in various habitats, including lowland evergreen forest edges, gallery forests, semi-open treed landscapes, plan groves, and savannas.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Laughing Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Laughing Falcons are found in the Americas, from coastal Mexico to Central and South America and northern Argentina.
5. Genus Ibycter
There is only one species in the genus.
5.1. Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus)
Description: The plumage of the Red-throated Caracara is mainly black with white bellies, undertail coverts, and thighs. They are easily recognizable by their bare red faces and throats, which may also be rosy or purple, as well as their large, bluish-gray ceres. Additionally, their stout tarsi and toes are bright orange to red. Both males and females have similar appearances.
- Length – 18.9-24inches (48-61cm)
- Weight – 14.4-24 ounces (510-680 g)
- Wingspan – 38.2-45.3inches (97-115cm)
Habitat: Red-throated Caracaras inhabit humid evergreen lowland forests and forest edges. They also are found in clearings with scattered trees and sparse vegetation.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Red-throated Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Red-throated Caracaras are found in southern Mexico, Colombia, northeastern South America, and Brazil.
6. Genus Micrastur
Forest falcons have diverse diets, feeding on birds, mammals, and reptiles. Adapted for agility in thick cover, they possess short wings, long tails, and acute hearing. They hunt by perching in hidden spots and swiftly striking passing prey. Forest falcons are adaptable hunters, with some species capable of catching prey on foot.
6.1. Barred Forest-Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis)
Description: Barred Forest-Falcons have slate-gray upper parts with three to six narrow white bars on their tails. They have pale gray throats, white underparts, and dark gray to black barring. There are also darker morphs where most upper parts, heads, and chests are brown or rufous instead of gray.
Their eyes are cream to light orange-brown, their bills are black and become yellow at the base of the lower mandibles, and their ceres, lores, and orbits are yellow. Their legs are orange-yellow.
- Length – 12-24inches (31-61cm)
- Weight – 5.1-6.5 ounces (144-184 g)
- Wingspan – 18.1-23.6inches (46-60cm)
Habitat: Barred Forest-Falcons inhabit mature upland forests, humid mature tropical lowland forests, and woodlands.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Barred-Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Barred Forest-Falcons are found in southern Mexico, south of most of Central America, and in every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
6.2. Buckley’s Forest-Falcon (Micrastur buckleyi)
Description: Buckley’s Forest-Falcons have blackish upper parts with white unmarked cheeks, collars, and underparts. They have black tails with three white bands. Their ceres, lores, and bare skin around their eyes are dull greenish, and their legs and feet are yellowish. The distinctive call of Buckley’s Falcons is a mournful two – or three-noted series, the first note higher-pitched.
- Length – 16-20inches (41-51 cm)
- Wingspan – 24-28inches (61-72cm)
Habitat: Buckley’s Forest-Falcons inhabit tropical and subtropical lowland and foothill rainforests.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Buckley’s Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Buckley’s Forest-Falcons are inBolivia, extreme western Brazil, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru.
6.3. Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus)
Description: Collared Forest-Falcons have dark-colored upper parts with black crescents that extend down from their crowns onto the sides of their heads. They have long, rounded tails with narrow white bars.
There are three morphs: the pale morphs are white below, the tawny morphs are cinnamon to pale buff below with white collars, The pale and tawny morphs exhibit the pale collar across the back of the neck for which the species is named. The dark morphs are brown to slate all over with pale barred bellies (these are a lot rarer).
Their bare facial skin is dull green, and their legs and feet are yellow to greenish. This species is easily identified by its distinctive human-like call. The sexes are similar, but females are larger than males.
- Length – 18-23inches (46-58cm)
- Weight – 16.48-22.78 ounces (467-646 g)
- Wingspan – 28-34inches (72-86cm)
Habitat: Collared Forest-Falcons can be found in lowland tropical forests, mangroves, and second-growth forests with dense undergrowth.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Collared Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Collared Forest-Falcons are commonly found in many Central and South American countries.
6.4. Cryptic Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mintoni)
Description: Cryptic Forest-Falcons have slaty grey upper parts, bare red facial skin, white chins, and central throats surrounded by gray. They have white underparts with fine blackish-grey bars on their breasts and orange orbital rings, ceres, and legs. Females are like males but generally more boldly barred below.
Similar to Lined Forest-Falcons. Cryptic Forest-Falcons only have a single white tail-band (in addition to a narrow white tail tip).LinedForest-Falcons have two narrow white tail bands.
- Length – 11.8-13.8inches (30-35cm)
- Weight – 6.0-8.4 ounces (171-238 g)
Habitat: Cryptic Forest-Falcons inhabit the Lowland terra Firme forestswith tall trees and dense, diverse understory with palms and vines. They also visit frequently flooded areas with bamboo.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Cryptic Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Cryptic Forest-Falcons occur in eastern and southern Amazonian Brazil, northeastern Bolivia, and eastern Brazil.
6.5. Lined Forest-Falcon (Micrastur gilvicollis)
Description: Lined Forest-Falcons have gray upperparts and pale underparts with narrow dark barring. They have yellow-fleshy fascial skin, ceres, lores, and orbital rings.
- Length – 13-15inches (33-38cm)
- Weight – 6.0-9.2 ounces (170-262 cm)
Similar to Cryptic Forest-Falcon. Cryptic Forest-Falcons only have a single white tail-band (in addition to a narrow white tail tip). LinedForest-Falcons have two narrow white tail bands.
Habitat: Lined Forest-Falcons reside in undisturbed tropical primary forests and are less common in secondary forests and forest edges.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Lined Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Lined Forest-Falcons are found in the Amazon Basin, ranging from eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru to northern Bolivia. They are also found in Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil, reaching the Atlantic coast.
6.6. Plumbeous Forest-Falcon (Micrastur plumbeus)
Description: Plumbeous Forest-Falcons are predominantly gray with orange bare skin on their faces and legs. Their breasts are paler with barring, and their bellies become even paler towards their tails. Additionally, they have black tails with broad single white stripes and white tips.
- Length – 11.8-14.5inches (30-37cm)
- Weight – 6.1-6.6 ounces (172-188 g)
- Wingspan – 20.1-21.6inches (51-55cm)
Habitats: Plumbeous Forest-Falcons inhabit humid and wet lowlands, foothills, and premontane forests.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Plumbeous Forest-Falcons as Vulnerable (VN) due to forest loss and the impact of human activities such as logging, agriculture, illegal plantations, mining, and pesticide use.
Distribution: Plumbeous Forest-Falcons occupy southwest Colombia and northwest Ecuador.
6.7. Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mirandollei)
Description: Slaty-backed Forest-Falcons have slate-gray upper parts with a darker crown and lighter cheeks. Their underparts are whitish with a few darker streaks. Their tails are dark slate-gray with three narrow white bars and tips. They have greenish-yellow ceres and bright yellow legs.
- Length – 16-18inches (40-45cm)
- Weight – Average 15 ounces (420 g)
- Wingspan – 26-28inches (65-71cm)
Habitat: Slaty-backed Forest-Falcons inhabit lowland tropical forests, secondary forests near rivers, and open landscapes.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Slaty-backed Forest-Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Slaty-backed Forest-Falcons are found in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
7. Genus Microhierax
The falconets are the smallest members of the falcon family.
7.1. Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius)
Description: Black-thighed Falconets are one of the smallest birds of prey. They have glossy-black upper parts with a white forehead streak that arcs around their black cheeks. Their necks and chests are white, changing to rufous over their bellies, black thighs, and flanks. They have black square tails with four white bars, which are often spread. Females are similar but are larger and have longer tails.
- Length – 5.5–6.3inches (14-16cm)
- Weight – 1.0-1.9 ounces (28-55 g)
- Wingspan – 11-12.6inches (27-32cm)
Habitat: Black-thighed Falconets inhabit open and primary forests, forest edges, wooded open areas near water, rivers, streams, slash and burn areas, cultivated areas, and villages.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Black-thighed Falconets as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Black-thighed Falconets are found in southern Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Bali.
7.2. Collared Falconet (Microhierax caerulescens)
Description: Collared Falconets have glossy black upperparts with black crowns and a broad white supercilium with a long black stripe trailing behind their eyes. They have distinctive white collars and rufous throats, bellies, vents, and legs. Females are similar in appearance but larger in size.
- Length – 5.5–7.08inches (14-18cm)
- Weight – 1.0-1.8 ounces (30-50 g)
- Wingspan – 11-13.4inches (28-34cm)
Habitat: Collared Falconets inhabit open deciduous forests, clearings, and edges in broadleaf forests, often near rivers or streams. They are also seen in abandoned hill cultivation areas with trees and plantations.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Collared Falconets as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Collared Falconets are mainly found in Mainland Southeast Asia: Himalayan foothills of north India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
7.3. Philippine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogenys)
Description: Philippine Falconets have black upperparts and white underparts, cheeks, and necks. They have black flanks and thighs. Their underwing coverts are black with flight feathers barred white. Their bills and feet are black. Females are similar to males, except their underwings are all black.
- Length – 5.9–7.08inches (15-18cm)
- Weight – 1.3-1.8 ounces (37-52 g)
- Wingspan – 12.6-14.6inches (32-37cm)
Habitat: Philippine Falconets inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests near rivers and streams.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Philippine Falconets as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Philippine Falconets are endemic to thePhilippine archipelago.
7.4. Pied Falconet (Microhierax melanoleucos)
Description: Pied Falconets have black and white plumage. They have black upperparts, broad black masks, white supercilium, and underparts. Their tails are long and black, with white barring seen from below.
- Length – 7.0-7.5inches (15-19cm)
- Weight – 1.94-2.64 ounces (55-75 g)
- Wingspan – 12.5-14.6inches (33-37cm)
Habitat: Pied Falconets can be found in moist deciduous and evergreen forests, cultivation lands with banks and streams, and tea plantations.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Pied Falconets as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Pied Falconets are found in northeastern India, eastern China, and Southeast Asia.
7.5. White-fronted Falconet (Microhierax latifrons)
Description: White-fronted Falconets have glossy black upperparts, flanks, and outer thighs. Their foreheads, throats, cheeks, and upper breasts are white, and they have black masks. Their bills and feet are also black. Females are similar to males but are larger and have rufous foreheads as opposed to the male’s white ones.
- Length – 5.5-6.9inches (14-17cm)
- Weight – 1.23-2.3 ounces (35-65 g)
- Wingspan – 11.0-12.2inches (28-31cm)
Habitat: White-fronted Falconets inhabit open forests, forest edges, and clearings with dead trees. They also occur in cultivated regions on mountainous slopes with scattered trees.
Conservation: The IUCN classified White-fronted Falconets as Near Threatened (NT) due to the forest destruction caused by the logging and land conversion escalation. Their decline has also been compounded by trapping for the cage-bird industry.
Distribution: White-fronted Falconets are endemic to the island of Borneo.
8. Genus Milvago
8.1. Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango)
Description: Chimango Caracaras are mostly brown with dark streaks on the sides of their heads and hindnecks. They have rufous-brown barred underparts, mottled grayish long tails with broad black subterminal bands, and white upper wing coverts. Males have yellow feet and bare skin around their eyes, while females have reddish-pink skin around the eyes and bluish-gray legs and feet.
- Length – 13-17inches (32-43cm)
- Weight – 6.0-9.2 ounces (170-260 g)
- Wingspan – 31-39inches (80-99cm)
Habitat: Chimango Caracaras can be found in various habitats, including grassy landscapes, shrub steppe, marshes, open woods, and plantations. They also inhabit river valleys, villages, towns, and roadsides.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Chimango Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Chimango Caracaras are found across the southern cone of South America, in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and south of Brazil.
8.2. Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
Description: Yellow-headed Caracaras have creamy yellowish underparts, head, neck, and underwing coverts, with a dark streak behind their reddish-brown eyes. Their upper parts are blackish-brown and have dark primaries, whitish at their base. They also have buff upper tail coverts with black subterminal bands. The skin around their eyes is yellow, and they have pea-green legs and feet. Females are similar but slightly larger than the males.
- Length – 16-18inches (40-45cm)
- Weight – 9.8-12 ounces (277-335 g)
- Wingspan – 29-37inches (74-95 cm)
Habitat: Yellow-headed Caracaras can be found in open areas with scattered trees, ranchlands, pastures, forest edges, and rivers.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Yellow-headed Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Yellow-headed Caracaras occur in southwestern Nicaragua, western Costa Rica, most of Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, north of the Amazon River.
9. Genus Phalcoboenus
The adults are distinct, with bare yellow, orange, or red facial skin and cere. They have black plumage with varying amounts of white and are often seen walking on the ground, searching for anything edible, such as carrion and other mammals.
9.1. Carunculated Caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
Description: Carunculated Caracaras have mostly glossy black upperparts with bold black and white streaks on their breasts. Their lower bellies and undertail coverts are white. The bare skin on their faces and ceres is bright orange to deep red. They have wrinkles (“caruncles”) on their throat skin, where they get their name. Their legs and feet are bright yellow.
- Length – 20-22inches (50-56cm)
- Wingspan – 44-47inches (112-119 cm)
Habitat: Carunculated Caracaras inhabit landscapes of páramoor grassy pastures with scattered bushes above the tree lines. They are also seen in open areas and farmlands.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Carunculated Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Carunculated Caracaras occur in the high Andes from southwestern Colombia to southern Ecuador.
9.2. Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
Description: Mountain Caracaras have mainly glossy black plumage. They have orange bare facial skin on their faces, and their legs are bright yellow-orange. Their lower chests, bellies, and rumps are pure white. They have white patches on their shoulders and white spots on some of their outer primaries, and their tails have broad white tips.
- Length – 18.8-21.6inches (48-55cm)
- Weight – Average 28 ounces (795 g)
- Wingspan – 43.7-48.8inches (111-124 cm)
Habitat: Mountain Caracaras prefer habitats in the High Andes and the Puna grassland zones. These areas are above tree lines but lower than the permanent snow lines. They can also be found in recently plowed lands, volcano slopes, ski centers, and forest edges.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Mountain Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Mountain Caracaras are native to South America and inhabit parts of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and central Chile.
9.3. Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis)
Description: Striated Caracaras have mainly brown to black plumage, with whitish to tawny streaks on their upper backs, necks, and breasts. Their naked facial areas are salmon pink to yellowish orange with pale bills. Their thighs and underwing coverts are tawny, and they have white-tipped tails. Their legs and feet are bright yellow.
- Length – 21-26inches (53-65cm)
- Weight – Average 42.3 ounces (1200 g)
- Wingspan – 46-49inches (116-125 cm)
Habitat: Striated Caracaras inhabit coastal fringes in dense stands of tussac grasslands or on rock and cliff crevices on offshore islands.
Conservation: The IUCN classified Striated Caracaras as Near Threatened (NT) due to human persecution and loss of habitat through sheep farming.
Distribution: Striated Caracaras are found on the outer Falkland Islands.
9.4. White-throated Caracara (Phalcoboenus albogularis)
Description: White-throated Caracaras, also known as Darwin’s Caracaras, have black upperparts and white underparts. They have reddish bare facial skin, pale gray bills, and yellow feet and legs. Their tails are long and rounded when open, with broad white terminal bands. Their underwing coverts are white. Females and males are similar, but females are marginally larger.
- Length – 19-22inches (49-55cm
- Wingspan – 43-49inches (110-124 cm)
Habitat: White-throated Caracaras can be found in open habitats, mountain slopes, high cliffs, and humid forests (including southern beech forests), and they scavenge at dumps and open farmlands with trees.
Conservation: IUCN has listed White-throated Caracaras as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: White-throated Caracaras are found in Chile and Argentina.
10. Genus Polihierax
10.1. African Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)
Description: African Pygmy Falcons are also known as pygmy Falcons and are the smallest birds of prey on the African continent. Males have gray upperparts with white spots on their napes and white bellies that extend up to their faces. They have white spots on their wings and tails. Their ceres and orbital rings are reddish-orange to red, and their feet are pinkish-red to red. Females’ backs are chestnut.
- Length – 7.1-8.27 inches (18-21cm)
- Weight – 1.55-2.54 ounces (44-72 g)
- Wingspan – 13.4-15.7 inches (34-40 cm)
Habitat: African Pygmy Falcons inhabit semi-arid to arid savanna.
Conservation: IUCN has listed African Pygmy Falcons as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: The African Pygmy Falcons’ range extends from South Sudan and Somalia to Uganda and Tanzania and from Angola to northern South Africa.
10.2. White-rumped Falcon (Polihierax insignis)
Description: White-rumped Falcons have gray upperparts with lighter gray heads, white underparts with black markings on their breasts, and conspicuous white rump and uppertail coverts. Their tails are black, barred with white. The color of their legs, ceres, and skin around their eyes ranges from yellow to orange. Females are similar but have deep, rufous upper backs, mantles, and heads.
- Length – 9.0-11.0inches (23-28cm)
- Weight – 3.0-4.0 ounces (84-112 g)
- Wingspan – 6.5-19.0inches (42-49 cm)
Habitat: White-rumped Falcons prefer dry savanna, dipterocarp forests, and mixed deciduous forest habitats.
Conservation: The IUCN classified White-rumped Falcons as Near Threatened (NT) due to forest degradation and hunting.
Distribution: White-rumped Falcons are found in different Asian countries, including Cambodia,Laos,Myanmar,Thailand, andVietnam.
11. Genus Spiziapteryx
There is only one species in this genus.
11.1. Spot-winged Falconet (Spiziapteryx circumcincta)
Description: Spot-winged Falconets have grayish-brown upperparts with white spots on their flight feathers and wing coverts. They also have white breasts, upper bellies, and sides with dark brown streaking. A pale streak can be seen behind and below their eyes, along with black ear coverts and narrow black typical falcon “mustache” streaks.
They have white rumps, throats, and lower bellies. Their ceres and lores are yellow, and their feet and legs are cream to yellow. Females are similar to males but larger.
- Length – 9.8-12.0inches (25-31cm)
- Weight – 5.3-8.8 ounces (149-249 g)
- Wingspan – 19-23inches (47-58 cm)
Habitat: Spot-winged Falconets are found in lowland savannas and semi-arid woodlands with scrub and scattered trees.
Conservation: IUCN has listed Spot-winged Falconets as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution: Spot-winged Falconets are found in eastern Bolivia through Paraguay to northern and central Argentina and western Uruguay.
Conclusion
The falcon family is truly fascinating, showcasing an incredible array of raptors. From the breathtaking speed of the Peregrine Falcons to the enigmatic nature of the Forest-Falcons, and from the robust Caracaras to the diminutive Pygmy Falcons, the diversity within this group of birds is truly remarkable. These majestic creatures captivate us with their aerial prowess and unique characteristics.
Unfortunately, certain falcon populations are at risk due to deforestation, pollution, and human persecution. Thankfully, various initiatives have been implemented to raise awareness about these threats and to safeguard their natural habitats, which provides a glimmer of hope for their well-being.
