
In Washington, one species from this family belongs to the caracara group, while the others are true falcons. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these amazing creatures, including their physical characteristics, diet, and hunting habits.

Both subspecies can be found in California, with Peale’s falcons being more limited to the northern portion of the state. anatum) occurs throughout much of North America from Alaska and Canada south to Mexico. They are known for their speed and agility, and they are popular with bird enthusiasts and hunters alike. pealei) is a year-round resident of the Pacific Northwest, while the American peregrine falcon ( F. Extended parental care is the norm for this family, as it takes a relatively long time for the young to learn to hunt. JBirds Falcon Falcons are one of the most fascinating birds in the world. Once the young no longer need to be brooded, both parents bring food. The female generally incubates the eggs and broods the young, while the male brings food to the nest. Some caracaras build stick nests in trees, but most species in this family nest on cliffs, in other birds' nests, or in cavities, and typically do not add any nesting material.

They are generally monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. Like other birds of prey, females are larger than males. Regardless of the approach, members of this family almost always use their feet to catch prey. Members of the caracara group are more opportunistic, taking carrion as well as live prey and often foraging on the ground. Many catch avian prey in flight, but others prey on large insects, mammals, and ground-dwelling birds.

Built for speed, most falcons have pointed wings and long tails. Some of the fastest-flying birds can be found in the falcon group. (Sibley, 2014) Classifications of Raptors: There are 290 species of raptors worldwide, 33 in North America and 19 that have been observed in Missouri. This widespread and diverse family of predatory birds is divided into two groups.
