Alice White
The falcon in the culture of many peoples is a symbol of courage and courage, and keen falcon eyes have become a real standard of keen vision. These proud birds lend themselves to domestication, but it is not easy to keep them – a proud falcon’s disposition does not tolerate weakness, and the falcon recognizes only the owner it respects. However, all the same, the element of these birds is endless heavenly spaces, and not a cage, even if it will be the size of an apartment.
- Dwarf falcons are the smallest birds of prey in the world, their size does not exceed 19 centimeters in length.
- The scientific name for falcons Falco comes from the Latin word falx, which translates as “sickle” – this is the shape of the wings of these birds during flight.
- Peregrine falcon is the fastest representative of the terrestrial fauna. During the hunt, he develops a speed of up to 322 kilometers per hour, diving for prey.
- Large falcons are specially trained for falconry, which was extremely popular in the past. Birds of prey catch prey, kill it and wait for the arrival of the hunter-owner.
- Judging by the ingenuity of birds for food, falcons are one of the smartest birds on the planet.
- Falcons are a fairly young group of birds; they appeared on Earth less than 10 million years ago.
- Scientists have calculated that about a fifth of all terrestrial birds become prey for peregrine falcons.
- Falcons are essential for maintaining the natural balance of the planet. For example, these birds prey on mice and other rodents, which have a detrimental effect on many plants.
- Falcons also help regulate harmful birds such as magpies and crows – the harm of these birds lies in the fact that they destroy other birds’ nests and eat their eggs. Smaller species of falcons prey on golden bee-eaters, which attack bees.
- Falcons are excellent guard birds. Four falcons are serving in the commandant’s office of the Moscow Kremlin – they drive crows and pigeons away from golden domes.
- Brazil airport staff are 5 falcons who help prevent aircraft collisions.
- Falcons fly at such a high speed that the air entering their nostrils could seriously damage their health. Nature took care of solving this problem by placing bony tubercles in front of the nostrils, redirecting the airflow in the other direction.
- Male and female falcons outwardly practically do not differ from each other.
- Falcons choose their mate once and for life, just like other birds of prey such as eagles.
- Falcons never colonize nests built by other birds.
- Each falcon family has its own territory in which it feeds and raises offspring.
- The main enemy of falcons is the man. People pollinate their fields and gardens with poisonous substances from rodents, which enter the stomach of falcons along with these animals.
- In Russia, falcons were presented to the rulers of other states, considering them a very valuable and honorable gift.
- In ancient Egypt, the falcon personified some of the gods and was a totem bird.
- Peregrine Falcons are the most widespread birds of prey in the world.
