Which birds belong to the family Falconidae?

The family Falconidae consists of approximately 64 species of diurnal birds of prey distributed across 11 genera. These birds are characterized by their long, pointed wings, swift flight, and specific anatomical features such as a toothed beak and a noncentrifugal wing molt.123

The members of the family Falconidae include:

• True falcons: Members of the genus Falco, which includes more than 35 species such as the peregrine falcon, merlin, kestrel, hobby, and prairie falcon.31
• Caracaras: Distinctive raptors often found in the New World.41
• Forest falcons: Birds such as the forest falcon (Micrastur).31
• Falconets: Tiny birds of the Old World tropics, such as those in the genus Microhierax.31
• Pygmy falcons: Small birds belonging to the genus Polihierax.3
• Milvagos: A group of birds within the family.1

While some older classifications formerly grouped most hawks, eagles, and vultures into this family, modern taxonomy typically restricts Falconidae to these specific groups, separating other raptors into families like Accipitridae.41