Falcons are captivating birds of prey, and while snakes are not the primary food source for all species, some falcons do opportunistically prey on them. This behavior often depends on the specific falcon species, its habitat, and the availability of other prey.
Typical Falcon Diet
The typical diet of most falcon species primarily consists of other birds. Falcons are renowned for their agility and speed, often capturing avian prey in mid-air. For instance, New Zealand falcons have a diet composed of 97% avian prey during their breeding season. Beyond birds, falcons are opportunistic carnivores that also consume a range of small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, rats, gophers, mice, and voles. They also hunt large insects, and some species occasionally include fish or bats in their diet.
Falcons employ various hunting techniques, with many known for their spectacular high-speed dives, or “stoops,” to catch prey. Acute eyesight and powerful talons make them efficient aerial predators. They generally eat prey whole or tear off pieces with their sharp beaks.
When Falcons Prey on Snakes
While many falcons prefer birds or small mammals, certain species are more inclined to include snakes in their diet. The Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans), a Neotropical raptor, is notably known as a snake-eating specialist, with snakes forming its most common prey. These falcons can hunt both large and small snakes, including venomous ones like coral snakes. When capturing a snake, the Laughing Falcon often pounces with considerable force, then bites the snake just behind the head. Smaller snakes may be swallowed whole, tail first, while larger ones are torn apart.
The Brown Falcon in Australia also frequently preys on snakes, showing specific adaptations for this type of hunt. Unlike many falcons, it has longer legs, protective scales, and short, thick toes with short claws, allowing it to grip slender snake bodies effectively. This falcon often drops onto a snake from a perch or while in flight, seizing it near the head. Peregrine falcons, primarily bird hunters, occasionally take small snakes.
Factors Influencing Falcon Diet
Several environmental and biological elements influence a falcon’s diet, including whether snakes become a food source. Habitat plays a significant role, as falcons inhabit diverse environments ranging from forests and prairies to deserts, mountains, and even urban areas. Prey availability within these habitats directly impacts what a falcon consumes. For instance, falcons in urban settings often rely heavily on pigeons.
Falcon size also dictates prey choices. Larger falcons tackle bigger prey, while smaller species focus on manageable meals. Female falcons are typically larger than males, leading to a broader range of prey hunted by a pair, with females often taking heavier prey. The type and size of available snakes also determine if they are included in a falcon’s diet, with smaller or younger snakes generally more vulnerable.