Falcons are sleek, fast raptors built for catching prey on the wing. Here is what they eat and the remarkable way they hunt.
What falcons eat
Most falcons feed largely on other birds, which they catch in flight, along with small mammals, insects and reptiles depending on the species. The peregrine falcon specialises in birds such as pigeons, ducks and shorebirds. Smaller falcons like the kestrel hunt insects, mice and voles, often hovering over fields to spot them. This bird-heavy diet sets falcons apart from many other birds of prey that hunt more from perches or on the ground.
How falcons hunt
Falcons have long, pointed wings built for speed and agility rather than soaring. The peregrine falcon is famous for its hunting stoop, a high-speed dive in which it can reach over 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on Earth. It strikes flying prey in mid-air with clenched talons. Falcons rely on sharp eyesight and sudden bursts of speed to overtake their targets. To compare with other hunters, read what hawks eat.