The Most Beautiful Falcon, Ranked

Choose the falcon you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:18
Judging the beauty of falcons is a subjective task often enjoyed by bird enthusiasts and naturalists alike. Each falcon exhibits unique features, from the patterns of their feathers to the grace of their flight. By ranking these majestic birds, we attempt to create a collective appreciation through the eyes of various observers, recognizing differences and celebrating individual characteristics. This live ranking system enables you to participate actively by casting your votes for the falcons that catch your eye. Your input directly influences the current standings and helps others gain new perspectives on what makes each falcon remarkable. Engage with the community and see how your preferences compare with others as the results evolve with each vote.

What Is the Most Beautiful Falcon?

  1. 1
    60
    votes
    The largest of all falcon species and known for its majestic beauty. The Gyrfalcon is a bird of prey that can be found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
    The Gyrfalcon is a magnificent and majestic bird of prey, known for its bold and striking appearance. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful falcons in the world.
    • Scientific Name: Falco rusticolus
    • Average Length: 55-65 cm
    • Wingspan: 130-160 cm
    • Weight: 1.5-2.5 kg
    • Plumage: Variable coloration ranging from white, silver, gray, to dark brown or black
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    Peregrine Falcon
    Georges Lignier (georges.lignier@wanadoo.fr) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The fastest bird in the world and one of the most widely recognized falcons. Known for their sleek and aerodynamic build, the Peregrine Falcon is a true beauty in flight.
    The Peregrine Falcon is a species of bird of prey known for its remarkable flight abilities and incredible speed.
    • Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
    • Average wingspan: 3.3 to 3.6 feet (1 to 1.1 meters)
    • Average weight: 1.1 to 3.3 pounds (0.5 to 1.5 kilograms)
    • Top speed: 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour)
    • Habitat: Wide range of habitats, including coastal cliffs and open countryside
    Peregrine Falcon in other rankings
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    This bird of prey has a striking appearance with its contrasting black and white feathers. It is found in South America and is known for its agility and speed.
    The Aplomado Falcon is a stunning bird of prey that belongs to the Falconidae family. It is a medium-sized falcon with a distinctive appearance and impressive aerial skills. Known for its exquisite beauty and graceful flight, the Aplomado Falcon is an absolute marvel to behold in the wild. Its long, slender body, streamlined wings, and long tail feathers contribute to its elegant and sleek appearance. The bird's plumage varies between individuals but commonly includes a combination of white, gray, black, and rusty brown feathers.
    • Scientific Name: Falco femoralis
    • Average Length: 13-16 inches
    • Wingspan: 2.5-3 feet
    • Weight: 8.5-14 ounces
    • Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, and marshes
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    Saker Falcon
    Bohuš Číčel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcicel/) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A large and powerful falcon with a striking appearance. The Saker Falcon is known for its speed and ability to take down large prey.
    The Saker Falcon is a magnificent bird of prey known for its striking appearance and powerful flight capabilities. It is a large falcon species that belongs to the genus Falco. Its notable features include a robust body, long wings, and a hooked beak, which it uses for hunting. The Saker Falcon is renowned for its agility and speed, making it a formidable hunter in the skies.
    • Size: 50-58 cm (20-23 inches) in length
    • Wingspan: 105-129 cm (41-51 inches)
    • Weight: 900-1400 grams (2-3 pounds)
    • Coloration: Varies between subspecies, commonly ranging from dark brown to pale grey
    • Habitat: Open grasslands, deserts, steppes, and mountainous regions
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    Merlin Falcon
    SpaceX · CC0
    A small falcon with a beautiful blue-gray plumage. The Merlin Falcon is known for its fast and agile flight, and can be found in North America and Europe.
    The Merlin Falcon is a small and agile falcon known for its striking beauty and impressive hunting abilities. With its enchanting appearance and remarkable speed, it captivates the hearts of bird enthusiasts worldwide. The bird displays a mix of colorful plumage, including shades of blue-gray, rufous, and white. It has a compact body, long pointed wings, and a sharp curved beak that allows for precision when capturing prey.
    • Size: Average length: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
    • Weight: Average weight: 6.0 ounces (170 grams)
    • Wingspan: Average wingspan: 20.5 inches (52 cm)
    • Plumage: Blue-gray back, rufous underparts, and white facial markings
    • Speed: Maximum speed: 40-60 mph (64-96 km/h)
  6. 6
    16
    votes
    Prairie Falcon
    U.S. Geological Survey · Public domain
    This falcon is known for its beautiful rust-colored plumage and can be found in the western United States. The Prairie Falcon is a powerful bird of prey and an impressive hunter.
    The Prairie Falcon is a magnificent bird of prey known for its striking appearance and impressive hunting prowess. It is a medium-sized falcon with a wingspan of around 3 feet and weighs between 1 to 2 pounds. This falcon species is native to the western regions of North America, particularly found in grasslands, deserts, and shrublands.
    • Scientific Name: Falco mexicanus
    • Average Wingspan: Approximately 3 feet
    • Average Weight: 1 to 2 pounds
    • Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, and shrublands
    • Range: Western regions of North America
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Red-footed Falcon
    Jutta Luft · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This bird of prey has a unique and beautiful appearance, with a bright red beak and feet. It is found in Europe and Asia and is known for its speed and agility.
    The Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) is an elegant and captivating bird of prey from the falcon family. Its beauty lies in its stunning coloration and graceful flight patterns.
    • Scientific Name: Falco vespertinus
    • Size: Length: 28-33 cm, Wingspan: 63-70 cm
    • Weight: Male: 140-170 grams, Female: 155-190 grams
    • Plumage: Males: Dark grayish-blue head, back, wings, and tail with reddish-brown underparts. Females: Lighter brown with contrasting dark streaks.
    • Eyes: Dark brown
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    A large and powerful falcon with a striking appearance. The Lanner Falcon is known for its speed and agility and can be found in Africa and the Middle East.
    The Lanner Falcon is a striking bird of prey known for its exceptional beauty and grace. It belongs to the falcon species and is recognized as one of the most magnificent falcons in the world. With its sleek appearance and vibrant plumage, the Lanner Falcon has enamored bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
    • Scientific Name: Falco biarmicus
    • Wingspan: 90-110 cm
    • Weight: 600-900 grams
    • Length: 40-50 cm
    • Coloration: Upper body: slate grey to dark brown; Underneath: white with dark streaks
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    A small and agile falcon with a beautiful blue-grey plumage. The Eurasian Hobby is known for its speed and can be found in Europe and Asia.
    The Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) is a stunning falcon species belonging to the Falconidae family. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and majestic birds of prey, known for its remarkable speed, agility, and aerial acrobatics. The bird is found in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
    • Scientific Name: Falco subbuteo
    • Size: Length: 29-36 cm, Wingspan: 74-84 cm
    • Weight: 160-280 grams
    • Plumage: Adults: slate-gray upperparts, white underparts streaked with fine dark barring, reddish-chestnut thighs; Juveniles: brown upperparts with pale feather edges, distinct streaking on underparts
    • Distinctive Feature: Long, pointed wings and long, narrow tail
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    With its striking black and white plumage, the Aplomado Falcon is a true beauty. Found in South America and North America, this bird of prey is known for its speed and agility.
    The Aplomado Falcon is a stunning bird of prey that belongs to the Falconidae family. It is a medium-sized falcon with a distinctive appearance and impressive aerial skills. Known for its exquisite beauty and graceful flight, the Aplomado Falcon is an absolute marvel to behold in the wild. Its long, slender body, streamlined wings, and long tail feathers contribute to its elegant and sleek appearance. The bird's plumage varies between individuals but commonly includes a combination of white, gray, black, and rusty brown feathers.
    • Scientific Name: Falco femoralis
    • Average Length: 13-16 inches
    • Wingspan: 2.5-3 feet
    • Weight: 8.5-14 ounces
    • Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, and marshes

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful falcon

  1. Plumage
    The color and pattern of the falcon's feathers can significantly contribute to its beauty. Some falcons have striking and vivid coloration, while others display intricate patterns.
  2. Size and build
    The overall size and proportions of the falcon can also be a factor in its attractiveness. Some people may prefer larger, more impressive-looking birds, while others may appreciate smaller, more delicate species.
  3. Facial features
    The shape of the falcon's head, its beak, and its eyes can all contribute to its beauty. Some falcons have unique or striking facial features that set them apart from others.
  4. Behavior and movement
    The way a falcon moves and behaves can also make it visually appealing. Some people may be drawn to the graceful, swift flight of falcons, while others may prefer their elegant poses when perched or resting.
  5. Rarity and uniqueness
    A falcon species that is rare or has unique characteristics may be considered more beautiful simply due to its rarity or distinctive features.
  6. Habitat and range
    The environment and location where a falcon lives can also add to its appeal, especially if it inhabits a particularly beautiful or unique habitat.
  7. Symbolism and cultural significance
    Some falcons may be considered more beautiful due to their cultural or historical significance, or the values and traits they symbolize.
  8. Personal preference
    Ultimately, the beauty of a falcon can be subjective and may vary from person to person. What one individual finds attractive in a falcon may not be the same as what another person finds appealing.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful falcon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or falcon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2489 views
  • 190 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each falcon once every 24 hours. The rank of each falcon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful falcon

Falconry has been a popular sport and hunting technique for centuries, and falcons have been revered for their beauty, grace, and power. Among the various types of falcons, some stand out for their stunning appearance, making them popular subjects for polls and rankings. The peregrine falcon, with its distinctive blue-gray back and white underside, is often considered one of the most beautiful birds of prey. The gyrfalcon, with its majestic white plumage, is also a favorite among falcon enthusiasts. Other contenders for the title of most beautiful falcon include the saker falcon, the lanner falcon, and the kestrel. Each of these birds has its unique features, making them all worthy of admiration and appreciation. Whether you are a falconry enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of these magnificent birds, exploring the various types of falcons and their unique characteristics is sure to be a fascinating journey.

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