Falcons are small to medium-sizedbirds of prey related tohawks,eagles, andvultures. They usually have pointed wings and long tails.
Most falcons eat smallmammals. Some species hunt otherbirds, which they take in flight. Like hawks, most falcons have darkgray orbrown backs and wings, withwhite undersides.
Theperegrine falcon is found over most of the world and is famous for hunting birds by diving down on them at 320km/h (200mi/h). It was nearly wiped out inNorth America by the use ofpesticides, but has since made a recovery.
In some countries falcons are used in falconry. This means people catch the birds and make them hunt for them. Long ago this was a way for people to get more food but today it is asport.
On theMoroccan island ofMogador, falcons seem to imprison small birds by trapping them increvasses, presumably saving them to eat later.
Mogador has the ruins of afortress, amosque and aprison. Today the island is anature reserve, where Eleonora's falcons nest among the ruins. They hunt migratingwarblers,hoopoes and other birds.
Researchers came across small birds trapped in deep cavities, their flight and tail feathers removed. The birds were unable to move their wings or use their dangling legs.[1] Eleonora's falcons have been seen building up larders of up to 20 dead birds during migration season, when prey is plentiful.[2] But "storing snacks that are still alive could be a unique behaviour" said an expert.[1]
- ↑1.01.1Falcons imprison live birds to keep them fresh for a later meal.New Scientist.[1]
- ↑Eleonora's falconFalco eleonorae. The Peregrine Fund.[2]
