How Much Does a Falcon Eat Each Day?

Although there are many variables that can affect a falcon’s diet, an adult falcon will generally eat 70–154 grams (2.5–5.4 ounces) daily. Think of it this way: 70 grams is roughly equivalent to the meat on two blackbirds. Or this way: Most falcons will consume about 10 percent of their body weight each day. (We’ll stop for a second while you figure out how much you would be eating if you ate 10 percent of your body weight each day!)

As noted, a bird’s diet can vary depending on its species, size, and the availability of prey. Falcons are adept hunters, using their keen eyesight and swift flight to capture prey. They often hunt birds and have been documented to prey on about 450 species in North America and as many as 2,000 species worldwide. The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible diving speed, reaching more than 300 km (186 miles) per hour to strike its prey midair. This hunting prowess allows falcons to efficiently capture and consume the necessary amount of food to sustain themselves. In addition to birds, falcons hunt bats, fish, large insects, and small mammals.