Falcons, hobbies and kestrels

Falcons, hobbies and kestrels are all in the genus Falco. In general terms, the larger birds are falcons; the smaller swift ones possessing long, narrow wings are hobbies and; those that hover while hunting for prey are the kestrels.

Species

  • Eleonora's falcon (eleonorae)

    Eleonora's falcons are unusual because they change their diet when the breeding season arrives. Normally, they eat flying insects, such as dragonflies and locusts.

  • Kestrel (tinnunculus)

    Kestrels are the most common bird of prey in Europe though their numbers have declined in Britain in the last few years. Their habit of hovering, particularly near motorways, means that they are also one of the easiest to spot.

  • Peregrine falcon (peregrinus)

    Peregrines are the fastest animals in the world. They are believed to achieve speeds approaching 200kmph (124mph) when plunging from the sky after prey.

About

A falcon (pronounced /ˈfɔːlkən/ or /ˈfælkən/) is any species of raptor in the genus Falco. The word comes from their Latin name falco, related to Latin falx ("sickle") because of the shape of these birds' wings.

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animal (animalia)

Phylum: Chordate (Chordata)

Class: Bird (Aves)

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Falconidae

Genus: Falcon (Falco)

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