The Falcon tribe form the most important group of the Diurnal Birds of
Prey—or those that hunt during the day. They usually feed on living
animals, also there are some species of this family that will feed like
the Vultures on putrid flesh. The Diurnal Birds of Prey are divided into
three different families—the Falcons, the Vultures and the Serpent
Eaters.
The Falcon family is divided into the Falcons proper, the Eagles, Sea
Eagles, Harpy Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks, Goshawks and Harriers.
Falcons properly so called (from falx a reaping-hook) are the ideal
Birds of Prey. They have a short bill bent from the base with a very
strong tooth on each side of the upper part, with which an indentation
corresponds in the lower portion. The wings of this Bird are long and
pointed, causing its flight to be powerful and rapid. They feed only on
living prey, Birds and small Mammals, and they always hunt on the wing.