Falcons, includes any species of raptors in the genus Falco. The word comes from the Latin falco, related to scythe or the shape of these birds' wings. Falcons have thin tapered wings, which enable them to fly at high speed and to change direction rapidly. Fledgling falcons, in their first year of flying, have longer flight feathers which makes their configuration more like that of a general-purpose bird such as a broadwing hawk. This is to make it easier for them to fly while learning the exceptional skills required to be effective hunters in their adult configuration. A falcon's wings are shaped like a scythe.
Peregrine Falcons have been recorded diving at speeds of 114 miles per hour, making them the fastest-moving creatures on Earth. Other falcons include the Gryfalcons and Merlin. Also some small falcons with long narrow wings which hover while hunting are called kestrels. The falcons are part of the family Falconidae, which also includes the Caracaras.
The technique of hunting with trained captive birds of prey is known as falconry.
As is the case with many birds of prey, falcons are renowned for their exceptional powers of vision.
