Falcons are captivating birds of prey. These avian hunters are found across nearly all continents, from remote cliffs to urban skylines. Known for their hunting prowess, falcons, particularly the peregrine falcon, can achieve speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour during their hunting dives, known as “stoops.” Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from considerable distances, making them effective predators.
Falcon Behavior and Instincts
Falcon behavior is driven by their instinct to hunt and protect their territory, especially during the breeding season. These birds are apex predators, focusing on capturing other birds in mid-air, though they are opportunistic and may also hunt small mammals, reptiles, or insects. Their hunting strategies include high-speed aerial pursuits, rapid dives, and striking prey with their talons. Falcons often hunt from high perches or while soaring, utilizing their keen vision to survey the area.
During nesting season, typically in spring and early summer, falcons become territorial and defend their nesting sites. If a perceived threat, such as a human, approaches too closely to a nest, falcons may engage in defensive behaviors. This can include vocalizations or “stoops,” where the falcon dives rapidly towards the intruder without making direct contact, aiming to scare them away. These actions are instinctual and intended to protect their eggs or young.
Actual Risks to Humans and Pets
Direct attacks by falcons on humans are rare and are almost always defensive responses to a perceived threat to their nest or young. While a falcon might stoop or dive at a person who ventures too close to a nesting site, actual physical contact is uncommon. If contact does occur, it typically involves a glancing blow or a scratch from their talons, which can result in minor injuries like cuts. Falcons are not built to prey on large creatures like humans, and their focus remains on securing food that aligns with their size and hunting capabilities.
Small pets, however, can sometimes be at risk, particularly those weighing under 10-20 pounds, such as small dogs, cats, or backyard poultry. Falcons are opportunistic hunters, and while they target birds, a very small pet might be mistaken for prey or be seen as an easy target if left unsupervised. Instances of falcons attempting to carry off small pets are uncommon, but they can occur, especially if the bird is desperate for food. Even if a falcon cannot successfully carry off a pet due to its weight, the pet can sustain puncture wounds from talons or other injuries if dropped.
Minimizing Encounters and Protecting Yourself
Awareness and preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of unwanted encounters with falcons. During the breeding season, it is advisable to be mindful of known nesting areas, which are often on tall structures like cliffs, buildings, or bridges. If a falcon appears agitated or begins vocalizing or diving, it signals that you are too close to its territory, and slowly backing away is recommended.
Protecting pets involves consistent supervision when they are outdoors, especially small animals. Keeping small dogs on a leash and close to you during walks, particularly at dawn and dusk when raptors are more active, is a good practice. For pets in yards, providing covered enclosures can offer protection from aerial predators. Removing attractants like bird feeders that might draw smaller birds, which are a falcon’s typical prey, can help make your yard less appealing to raptors.