Falcons

Falcons are a group of birds of prey renowned for their speed, agility, and exceptional hunting abilities. They have streamlined bodies, long pointed wings, and strong, hooked beaks, which make them incredibly efficient hunters. Falcons are known for their keen eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from great distances, and their impressive aerial maneuvers, which include high-speed dives to capture prey mid-air. Falcons are typically solitary birds, and many species prefer open landscapes like grasslands, cliffs, or even urban areas where they can easily spot prey from a perch or in flight. Their combination of strength, speed, and hunting skill makes them one of the most effective and versatile predators in the avian world.

Meet our Falcon Ambassadors

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

The peregrine falcon is a fast and agile bird of prey, known for being the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 240 mph during its hunting dive. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including cliffs, mountains, and urban areas. A solitary and territorial hunter, it uses its speed and precision to capture prey mid-flight.

CONSERVATION STATUS: LEAST CONCERN

Range

The peregrine falcon has a widespread range and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Fast Facts

  • Description

    The peregrine falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey with a streamlined body, long, pointed wings, and a slightly rounded tail. It has dark gray or blue plumage on its back and lighter streaked feathers on its underside, along with distinctive black "moustache" markings on its face.

  • Diet

    Peregrine falcons primarily hunt birds, including pigeons, waterfowl, and songbirds.

  • Size

    The peregrine falcon typically measures 13 to 23 inches in length, with a wingspan of 29 to 47 inches and weighs between 1 to 3.5 pounds.

  • Lifespan

    Wild: 10-15 years

    Human care: 20 years

The peregrine falcon's nostrils have a special shape with a backward-facing baffle that slows down airflow, helping them breathe during high-speed dives. This natural design inspired engineers to create similar features in jet turbines, reducing turbulence and improving airflow efficiency at high speeds.

Fun Fact

Our Wildlife Ambassadors

Maverick

Hatched in human care, Maverick was raised to be an ambassador for his wild counterparts, showcasing the incredible speed and agility of these magnificent birds. With plenty of spunk and a loud voice, he’s not afraid to make his presence known. A fast flyer, Maverick wows and educates audiences during free flight shows and programs, soaring through the air with grace and precision.

Maverick has been at the sanctuary since 2022

Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

The Aplomado Falcon is a medium-sized raptor found in open habitats such as grasslands and savannas across North and South America. Known for its speed and agility, it hunts small birds, insects, and rodents, often from a perch or by soaring. This falcon is a skilled and efficient hunter, capable of impressive aerial maneuvers while hunting in open skies.

CONSERVATION STATUS: NEAR THREATENED

Range

The apolmado falcon's range extends from the southwestern United States through Central America, and into northern South America, including countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Fast Facts

  • Description

    The Aplomado Falcon is a striking bird of prey with slate-gray plumage on its back and pale underparts. It has a dark "moustache" mark on its face, and a long, narrow tail with black-and-white banding. The head is dark, and its eyes are large

  • Diet

    The Aplomado Falcon primarily preys on small birds, insects, and rodents.

  • Size

    The Aplomado Falcon measures about 14 to 16 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 31 to 39 inches. It weighs between 0.5 and 1.1 pounds..

  • Lifespan

    Wild: 6-10 years

    Human care: 15 years

Fun Fact

Like other falcons, the Aplomado falcon has a specialized feature called a "tomial tooth." This small notch on the bird's beak helps it kill prey quickly by allowing it to sever the spinal cord of small birds and mammals with precision, ensuring a swift and efficient hunt.

Our Wildlife Ambassadors

Artemis

Artemis is a young Aplomado Falcon who was hatched in human care to become an education ambassador for her wild counterparts. While she's still in training for educational programs, Artemis already has a lot of personality and is known for her gentle nature. She is a wonderful example of her species, showing the incredible potential for connecting people with wildlife through hands-on education.

Artemis has been at the sanctuary since 2024