Falconidae

The falcons and caracaras comprise about 65 species of diurnal birds of prey in the family Falconidae, which likely originated in South America during the Paleocene. They are divided into three subfamilies: Herpetotherinae (laughing falcon and forest falcons), Polyborinae (spot-winged falconet and caracaras), and Falconinae (falcons and kestrels).

This family is found worldwide, except in dense central African forests, remote islands, the high Arctic, and Antarctica. Some species like the peregrine falcon have extensive ranges, while island endemics such as the Mauritius kestrel have limited distributions. Falcons and caracaras thrive in various habitats, from tundra to rainforest, with many species being migratory.

They primarily eat birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects, and carrion. While true falcons are known for their speed, caracaras are more sedentary. Some species are specialists, while others are generalists in their diets. Most are solitary breeders, laying 2–4 eggs mostly incubated by the female, with varying incubation times based on size.