Falcons are raptors known for their extraordinary speed and sharp sensory perception, making them highly effective aerial predators. Their sleek, aerodynamic bodies and pointed wings allow them to achieve the fastest speeds of any animal during a hunting dive. Exceptional eyesight enables them to spot small prey from great heights, establishing them as masters of the sky in nearly every habitat. The question of whether these swift hunters pursue ground-dwelling mammals like squirrels requires a closer look at their specialized diet.
Primary Prey of Falcons
Most falcon species, particularly the Peregrine Falcon, are specialized avian predators, meaning their diet consists overwhelmingly of other birds. They are optimized for capturing prey in mid-air, utilizing their high-speed hunting dive, known as the stoop. These specialists can prey on an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 bird species worldwide.
In North America and Europe, primary targets are medium-sized species like pigeons, starlings, and various songbirds, especially in urban environments. Studies on the Peregrine Falcon’s diet show that birds, such as the feral pigeon, can constitute over 80% of their food intake. Smaller falcon species, such as the American Kestrel, diversify their hunting by including large insects and small lizards.
When Squirrels Become Prey
Falcons are opportunistic hunters that will consume squirrels, though this is not their typical or preferred food source. Instances of squirrels becoming prey are generally dictated by ecological factors, such as the necessity to find food during periods of avian prey scarcity. This deviation is more common during the nesting season when falcons must provision their young and cannot be as selective.
Vulnerability Factors
The vulnerability of the squirrel species plays a significant role in predation risk. Arboreal (tree-dwelling) squirrels are far less likely to be successfully hunted than ground squirrels, which spend more time exposed on open terrain. The open-ground habitat of species like the Richardson’s ground squirrel makes them susceptible to aerial attack. In urban or suburban areas, the availability of easily accessible small mammals, including rats, mice, and sometimes squirrels, can lead to occasional targeting when bird prey is less available.
The Role of Falcon Size and Hunting Style
The successful predation of a squirrel largely depends on the specific falcon species and its relative body size. Larger falcons, such as the Gyrfalcon or the female Peregrine Falcon, possess the necessary weight and strength to subdue a squirrel. Female falcons exhibit sexual dimorphism, being up to 40% heavier than their male counterparts, which allows the pair to collectively hunt a wider range of prey sizes. Conversely, smaller falcons like the Merlin or American Kestrel lack the mass and talon strength to consistently take down a mature squirrel.
Ground Hunting Technique
The hunting technique for a squirrel differs significantly from the falcon’s classic aerial pursuit. Hunting a mammal on the ground requires a surprise ambush or a direct strike from a high perch. Once the prey is secured, falcons use a specialized tomial tooth—a notch on their beak—to deliver a precise bite that severs the prey’s cervical vertebrae, quickly dispatching the struggling animal. This ability to quickly immobilize heavier prey is crucial, as a prolonged struggle risks injury to the falcon’s delicate flight feathers and talons.