Hunting falcons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hunting falcons - Essay Example The falcons are known to have a very high diving speeds compared to the other birds and can change directions very quickly. In terms of species number, more than 40 different species of falcon exists in different palaces of the world. However, the most common species of falcon is the peregrine falcon and the black falcon. The falcons also have great eyesight and have few predators that pose threat to their existence. In terms of distribution, peregrine falcon and the black falcon are the most widely distributed species of falcon throughout the world. The birds occupy most of the north America, pacific coast, Mexico and Central America all year round. In addition, studies have shown that peregrine falcons are also found in the Antarctica region. A more spectacular feature is that the peregrines also inhabit regions close to rivers due to the presence of target prays including fish. The falcons have no specific diet but their prey can be either on land or above the ground. For example, small birds in air contribute a large percent of prey above the ground. The falcons are able to prey on other birds because of their swift and calculative dives. On the ground, the falcon target on small animals like mice and frogs. Some species of falcons like the white backed vulture also do scavenge on body remains of bigger animals found on the ground. In addition to the small animals found on the ground, the snake eagles, which belong to the same class of falcons, preys mostly on snakes found on the ground. Lastly, the falcons also target fish and other small aquatic inhabitants found in rivers, lakes and oceans. On the other hand, falcons have adapted to their survival by having different features that enable them to get prey and survive in the different environmental conditions. For example, the snake eagles have very tough scales on their feet and have feathers surrounding their neck.