FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (3)

Falcons and humans have had a long and complex history together. In Ancient Egypt, Horus, the God of Life, was represented by Peregrine Falcon. For the Greeks, Falcons were the messengers of Apollo. In Peru, the Gods of Creation were born from the eggs of falcons. Meanwhile, Crested Caracara became the National Bird of Mexico.


In addition, peoples worldwide hunted with Falcons. Lanner Falcons, large bold Birds, are favoured by people in Arabia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, a tax on Gyrfalcons in Ancient China resulted in the down fall of an emperor by his falcon-flying nobles. In Japan, falconry was considered a noble art, with game preserves reserved for that purpose.

For Europeans, “Book of Saint Albans” (1486) listed who was permitted to hunt with what Falcon. Princes could only hunt using Peregrines, Ladies Merlins, and Knaves Kestrels. Because of Gyrfalcons’ eminence and power among Falcons, only Kings could fly Them.

However in later years, landowners and gamekeepers killed Falcons as pests. Farmers also poisoned Them for preying on their small Animals. Finally, the overuse of DDT destroyed many Falcon eggs. All these factors caused the numbers of Falcons to crash everywhere.

Then people worldwide rallied to save Falcons. Aware of the problems that DDT caused, conservationists worked to regulate its use. They also sought to reintroduce the Falcon populations into areas where They formerly were.

One notable success in the return of Falcons to the wild is the Mauritius Kestrel. In 1974, only six remained in the world. Through the efforts of many people, by 1992, 250 birds were returned to the wild. Conservationists had developed a captive breeding program to save these Birds. In addition, the government of Mauritius increased the size of their reserves for their Kestrel to live in.

Falcons exude authority, quickness, and fierceness: all qualities of nobility. By their very presence, They inspire us all do noble acts. Man and Falcon together is a glorious sight. Each works with the other to achieve great things. In Ancient Egypt, Horus, the Lord of Light, had a body of a man and a head of a falcon. With the help of Falcons, let us aspire to be noble in both our thoughts and deeds.

FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (2)

The other major grouping is the Polyborinae which comprises of the Caracaras, Forest Falcons, and Laughing Falcon. The Polyborinae are believed to be the direct descendants of the first Falcons. Generally grouped with the Polyborinae, Falconets and Pygmy Falcons are the smallest Birds of Prey who are active during the day.

Named for her shrill call, Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) is a specialist at catching and eating Snakes. While sitting in a tree, She scans the ground for the elusive Snake. Espying one, Laughing Falcon drops like a stone, and quickly grabs the surprised Snake with her feet.

Living only in the Americas, Forest Falcons are well suited for life in the rainforests. With their short wings, these Birds can twist and turn whilst flying through the trees. Then with their long legs, Forest Falcons seize their prey.

Meanwhile Crested Caracara feeds on sick and dying animals. He also scavenges at garbage dumps for food. Unlike the other Falcons, He has long broad-rounded wings.

FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (1)

Known for their courage and fierceness, Falcons are regarded highly by people. For many centuries, They have been a notable part of human culture. For example, in some religions, these Birds are representatives of the Gods or are their messengers. In addition, falconry is considered to be a noble sport by many.


The Falcon Family is usually divided into two groups (although many scientists disagree on how to classify particular falcons). The Falconiae consists of the “true” Falcons, that are the Gyrfalcon, Hobby, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine. These Falcons are usually known by what They hunt. The “Duck Hawk” is the Peregrine, “Pigeon” the Merlin, and “Sparrow” the Kestrel.

The “true” Falcons (Falco) are then roughly divided into four groups according to their size. The first group consists of the Kestrels (except for American Kestrel). With only small adjustments to the trim of their wings, Kestrels can hover whilst keeping their heads still. Because of their constant hovering, Kestrels are also known as “Windhovers” and “Standgales”.

The second grouping consists of the Hobbies, who are best known for their aerobatic flights. Hobbies soar, swoop, then gracefully climb to the sky, and finally dive executing an intricate series of loops. Flying fast, Hobbies will steal from Kestrels while in flight.

The third grouping is Peregrine Falcon and her relatives. These strong fliers feed on mid-sized Birds such as Ducks and Pigeons. Also, in this grouping are the Hierofalcons (the Lanner Falcon, Laggar, and Saker).

The last group consists only of Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), considered to be the largest and most majestic of the Falcons. This formidable hunter dominates the Arctic skies. Going long distances, He will fly low over open tundra scanning for Rabbits. From his ledge perch, Gyrfalcon will suddenly swoop down to snatch an unsuspecting Ptarmigan for a tasty meal.
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CRESTED CARACARA (MEXICAN EAGLE): Rethink Old Ideas

Part predator and part scavenger, Crested Caracara is a member of the Polyborinae subgroup of the Falcon Family. (Native to the Americas, the Polyborinae group also includes the Forest Falcons and Laughing Falcon.) As one of the most eye-catching members of the Falcon Family, Crested Caracara has a distinctive black crest and a featherless red-orange face. In fact, this broad-winged Falcon is the charismatic National Bird of Mexico.

Not particularly a powerful hunter, Crested Caracara usually feeds on sick and wounded Animals. Instead of sharp claws like other Falcons, He has blunt ones, which are well adapted for walking and scratching in the dirt for Insects. Despite his slow flight, Crested Caracara is actually a close relative of the narrow- winged Falcons.

Also, Crested Caracara has another “unfalconlike” trait. He makes a nest instead of laying his eggs on a rocky ledge. However, his nest is an untidy heap of sticks. And, you can usually find Crested Caracara’s nest on the top of a solitary palm tree.

Crested Caracara takes every opportunity to obtain food. He patrols garbage dumps looking for rotting meat. In Brazil, He will fly along trains to eat meat offered on sticks by railway workers. Crested Caracara will even snatch a young Turtle as He searches the lakeshore for a tasty meal.

Although there are many aspects of Crested Caracara’s lifestyle that is decidedly “unfalconlike”, He is still a Falcon. This eye catching Bird urges us to rethink our notions of Falcons, as well as other things we thought we knew. He calls to us to expand our horizons, and to embrace new concepts about old established ideas. Look to Crested Caracara for inventive thinking.
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