Falcons and hawks, both part of the Falconiformes order, represent a diverse group of daytime predators, varying widely in size and unique physical traits.

Falcons are generally small to medium-sized birds, known for their speed and agility in flight. Equipped with sharp beaks and talons, they are highly skilled hunters, adept at capturing small prey.

This avian order includes a variety of diurnal predators, with noticeable size differences between males and females; females are generally larger and heavier, sometimes more than twice the weight of males, especially in bird-eating species. Falconiformes are characterized by sharp, hooked beaks and bare, often brightly colored wax membranes around their nostrils, which cover the base of the upper beak.

Equipped with long, broad wings suited for soaring, strong legs, and sharp talons, Falconiformes are expertly adapted for hunting. Their exceptional eyesight enables them to spot prey from great distances, emphasizing their skill as predators.

Common features among Falconiformes include curved beaks, powerful claws, bare wax membranes, laterally positioned eyes, and non-reversible toes (with the exception of the osprey). They also possess feathered tail fat glands, contributing to their adaptability.

Body shapes within this order vary significantly: eagles and buzzards have larger builds, reaching up to 120 cm in length, while kites and falcons are smaller, ranging from 30 to 50 cm, built for speed and agility in flight.

Female birds in the Falconiformes order are generally slightly larger than males. Their plumage typically spans shades of brown, black, and white, with lighter colors on the underside, aiding in camouflage while hunting.

Kestrels, a well-known member of the Falconiformes, have long, sturdy legs, curved beaks, and sharp claws—essential tools for hunting. Their keen eyesight allows them to detect fast-moving prey from considerable distances, adjusting focus rapidly for precision.

These raptors are adaptable and inhabit diverse environments, including mountains, plains, grasslands, coastal bluffs, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Hawk-like species have a global presence, thriving in almost every habitat except Antarctica. Usually solitary or paired, they are primarily carnivorous, using sight-based hunting techniques by day or at dusk.

Their diet is varied, consisting of birds, mammals (from bats to lambs), reptiles, amphibians, fish, carrion, and invertebrates. Ospreys, a unique member of this group, are specialized fish hunters and undertake extensive migrations, catching fish exclusively with their sharp talons.

Falconiformes exhibit a variety of reproductive and feeding habits, remaining active primarily during daylight hours. Known for their impressive hunting skills and exceptional flight abilities, these birds often convey an aura of ferocity. Their diet varies with size, encompassing everything from mammals to insects, though some species are specialized scavengers, feeding on carcasses.

Kestrels, despite their longevity, face reproductive challenges in the wild, with a lower success rate than in captivity. In their natural habitat, kestrels encounter threats, including infections from injuries sustained while hunting, which can impact their overall lifespan.

In essence, Falconiformes are distinguished not only by their exceptional hunting skills and diverse adaptations but also by their vital roles within ecosystems, embodying the intricate balance of nature.