Top 5 Falcon Species in Morocco

Morocco is considered one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world, as falcon species in Morocco occupy a separate throne. These beautiful and powerful birds attract the attention of many wildlife enthusiasts. They are distinguished birds known for their extreme agility and strength in hunting. Morocco has a rich diversity of falcon species that inhabit its lands, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Types of falcons in Morocco

Here are some types of falcons in Morocco:

1. Gyrfalcon

It is a type of predatory bird belonging to the genus Falcon. Its most important features are:

The gyrfalcon is also known as the spotted hawk. This species of falcon lives in various regions of the world, including Morocco.
The gyrfalcon is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring about 34-38 cm in length and with a wingspan of 74-80 cm.
It is a bird with beautifully colored and varied plumage, distinguished by its brown and white spotted wings and tail.
The gyrfalcon lives in agricultural areas, open forests, plains and desert areas in Morocco.
It feeds on a variety of prey that includes insects, rodents, small birds, and reptiles.
This type of falcon has very sharp and powerful vision.

2. The nesting falcon

It is a rare species of falcon in Morocco. The nesting falcon is distinguished by its attractive appearance and has several characteristics:

Its feathers are entirely black, but dark brown or gray may appear on the wings and tail.
The peregrine falcon lives in the mountainous areas, rocky hills and open plains of Morocco.
This species prefers remote areas and away from places where human interference is heavy.
The peregrine falcon is a resident bird, living in the same area year-round rather than migrating like other falcons.
The peregrine falcon feeds mainly on rodents, mice, and rabbits, but may also occasionally hunt small birds and reptiles.
The peregrine falcon has a high ability to soar and fly, which enables it to hunt its prey with great accuracy.

3. The hawk

It is a type of falcon found in Morocco known as the small black falcon. The goshawk is a type of falcon found in North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and others. Its most important distinguishing features are:

The hawk has a medium-sized body.
It is characterized by dark brown feathers on the back, white wings, and a white color in the eye, which is distinctive on the face.
Males and females have a similar pattern, but females can be slightly larger than males.
The hawk lives in the rocky mountainous areas and desert valleys of Morocco, preferring dry, rocky environments.
It tends to hide and position itself on top of rocks to observe its surroundings, search for its prey, and hunt it skillfully.

4. Peregrine falcon

The peregrine falcon is one of the most famous and widespread birds of prey in the world. It is found all over the world and is considered one of the fastest living creatures on Earth, possessing exceptional flight capabilities. Among its most important characteristics are:

The peregrine falcon lives in various regions of Morocco, including mountainous areas and plateaus, and tends to live in open areas.
The peregrine falcon is distinguished by its ability to swoop down quickly on its prey while flying, making it a skilled killer of birds and small animals.
The peregrine falcon is a partial migratory bird in Morocco, with some leaving during the winter and migrating to warmer regions in North Africa, while others remain in Morocco for the rest of the year.

5. Gazelle falcon

The peregrine falcon lives in various regions of Morocco, including the Atlas Mountains, the Rif Highlands, and the Atlantic coastal plains. Its most notable characteristics include:

This bird of prey is considered a partial migratory bird, migrating to warm areas during the winter and returning during the summer.
It is a legally protected species in Morocco and some neighboring countries. Protection efforts aim to preserve its natural habitat and raise awareness of the importance of this rare creature.
Nature reserves and protected wildlife areas, working in collaboration with NGOs, are effective tools to help protect this unique species.

Types of falcons around the world

Falcons vary around the world, and the most prominent types of falcons are as follows:

1. Amur Falcon

The eastern red-footed hawk is a small bird of prey that breeds in southeastern Siberia and spends the winter in southern Africa. Its diet consists of termites and small insects.

2. American Kestrel Falcon

It is considered the smallest falcon in America, and it is considered an excellent hunter with a varied diet.

3. Merlin's Falcon

It is a very fierce type of falcon. It has pointed wings, a medium-length tail of 23-33 cm, and a weight of 80-165 grams.

Information about the Arabian Falcon

Some of the most important information you should know about the Arabian falcon:

Falcons are fast-flying birds of prey during the day. There is a group of falcons that are slightly larger than average.
Falcons feed mainly on small birds.
It is distinguished by its dark grey feathers with a few lighter colours.
Female falcons are considered to be approximately 20% larger than males.
Falcons communicate with each other by making a constant, loud call when disturbed or disturbed.

Does the falcon know its owner?

We may explain to you some information about falcons in knowing their owner:

The falcon is a very intelligent bird, with the amazing ability to recognize and distinguish the name of its owner.
The falcon is very intelligent.
He is known for his strong patience and at the same time being easy to do.
The falcon also has sharp eyesight, enabling it to see a perched pigeon from 1,000 meters away and a flying pigeon from 1,600 meters away.

Falcon prices in Morocco

Falcon prices vary depending on the species, but they are considered among the most expensive birds in the world. This depends on the species and age of the falcon.

The cheapest type of falcons

The sparrowhawk is one of the cheapest types of falcons, as some call it, as it is a small falcon.
The sparrowhawk is characterized by its light weight and fast flight. It feeds on small insects and is known for its courage.
However, females of this species also differ from males, as they can hunt birds that are heavier and larger than them.

Where do falcons live?

Falcons live in almost all parts of the globe, except for the polar regions, and they prefer to live in tropical regions characterized by heavy rainfall.
Falcons' characteristics enable them to adapt greatly to their surrounding environment. Some falcons also gather in small groups.
The falcon usually builds its nest in high areas of trees, and the nest is very large.

What is the difference between a peregrine falcon and a hawk?

We learn the difference between them through:

The peregrine falcon: is more tolerant of harsh conditions and weather fluctuations. It is also considered to be more resistant to disease and hunger.
Peregrine Falcon: The peregrine falcon does not require a long training period, and it can hunt quickly and stealthily.
Both are characterized by changing their feathers every year to become more continuous with soft feathers. They can mate after three years, and preferably after two to three years.

Is the falcon smart?

Falcons have keen intelligence and amazing abilities.

Falcons have among the most acute senses in the bird world. They have extremely sharp vision that enables them to spot their prey from great distances in the sky, and they have an exceptional ability to focus on their target and track it precisely.
Falcons have the ability to fly strategically, making efficient use of air currents to fly efficiently and conserve energy while searching for prey.
Falcons use advanced hunting tactics, for example, they use innovative methods to avoid obstacles and reduce air resistance while swooping down on their prey. They also use flight when they are close to the ground to catch their prey.

The Moroccan environment offers a unique natural diversity that makes it home to a number of stunning falcon species. These birds are magnificent creatures that reflect the beauty of nature and inspire bird and environment lovers alike. Attention must be paid to protecting these species and preserving their natural habitats to ensure their continued survival and prosperity in the future.