Characteristics of the Different Raptor Families
Hawk Families
Falcons
- A group of hawks that vary in size from small to medium, and are identified by their large
head, notched beak, dark eyes, and distinct stripe(s) below their eyes called malar stripes.
- Their powerful short beaks have a tomial tooth on the upper jaw, which with the hooked tip
create a notch for breaking the spinal cord of their prey.
- Powerful fliers and divers with long, narrow, pointed wings and long tails.
- These raptors do not build their own nests, but scrape out spots on cliffs or in cavities.
- They typically live in open country.
- Among the most aerial and acrobatic of the raptors, their flight ability is legendary; scientist
say these raptors can fly at speeds of over 100 miles per hour.
- It is this group of birds around which the sport of “falconry” revolves.
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Prairie Falcon - BLM photo