Falcons are among the most awe-inspiring birds of prey, known for their incredible hunting skills and significant role in various cultures. The largest species, with a wingspan ranging from 120 to 135 cm and body length of 55 to 60 cm, falcons have been revered as formidable hunters since ancient times.

1. The term “falcon“ dates back to the 12th century, as mentioned in the Russian historical text “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign.“
2. Falcons stand out as the largest among the falcon family.
3. Their diet primarily consists of flying birds, which they catch mid-air, requiring a daily intake of about 200 grams of food.
4. Depending on their habitat and feather color, falcons are classified into red, common grey, rare and valuable snow-white, and Icelandic varieties.
5. Falcons are monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds.
6. They reach sexual maturity in their second year.
7. Remarkably resilient, some falcon subspecies thrive in harsh climates like Greenland’s icy terrains.
8. In Russia, falcons are often targeted by poachers, fetching up to $30,000 in the international market.
9. In the wild, falcons can live up to 20 years.
10. Their calls, deeper and rougher than the peregrine falcon’s, sound like a hoarse “kyak-kyak“ or a prolonged “keek-keek.“
11. Falcons face threats from poaching and accidental trapping in devices set up for other wildlife in northern regions.
12. They lay 1 to 5 eggs, usually 2 to 4, each slightly larger than a matchbox and weighing around 60 grams, with a 35-day incubation period.
13. Their acute vision enables them to spot prey from distances up to 1 km.
14. Humans have valued falcons for centuries, especially in falconry.
15. The snow-white variety, once found on Greenland’s coast, was highly prized; the Duke of Burgundy once exchanged 12 of these for his son’s release from Turkish captivity.
16. According to the Russian Red Book, only about 1000 pairs remain across the vast Russian territory.
17. Falcons can defend their offspring against formidable predators, even bears.
18. In the European hunting tradition, the white falcon always ranked at the top.

Falcons, with their majestic presence and hunting prowess, continue to fascinate and inspire awe in the natural world.