Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Falcons
Faucons
Falconidae
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
North American Bird Search Box
There are at least eight types of falcons that live or have visited the continent of North America. The Peregrine Falcon and the Prairie Falcon are native birds and have the widest ranges. The Gyrfalcon lives in the northern regions of Canada and Alaska and prefers the colder climate conditions. The Aplomado Falcon lives in the southern states where it is being reintroduced and can also be found in Mexico.
The Collared-forest Falcon lives in South America and the range extends into Mexico and it is also showing up as a vagrant in the deep south. Another vagrant is the Red-footed Falcon whose native countries are Europe and Asia. The Merlin and the American Kestrel are also members of the falcon family and are the smallest members.
The falcons are the swiftest birds on the continent with records stating aerial dives at 200 mph and some as high as 300 mph. They were once used by falconers to hunt other game birds and animals for sport.
References to Other Bird Sites:
="https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/avibase.jsp?lang=EN">Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.