Birds · Falconiformes · Falconidae

Eleonora's Falcon

Falco eleonorae

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

Eleonora's falcon is a slender raptor with very long wings that breeds in colonies on the cliffs of Mediterranean islets, with important populations in the Balearics, the Canaries and the islands off the Spanish east coast. Its breeding biology is unique among European birds: it delays breeding until late July so that its chicks coincide with the autumn passage of migrating birds, on which it feeds almost exclusively during that period.

Weight

281 g – 388 g

Size

36 cm – 42 cm

Lifespan

18 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

MountainOceanIslandsCarnivore Diurnal Colonial Bird Mountain Ocean Islands

12countries 24parks10same family

Fun facts

GeneralIt breeds in late summer so it can feed its chicks on migrating birds.
comportamientoIt holds its breeding season back to late summer to coincide with the passage of migrating birds, which it feeds to its chicks.
It breeds in August and September, far later than any other European raptor, so that its chicks grow just as millions of migrating birds cross the Mediterranean towards Africa: a perfect synchronisation with the calendar of its prey.
Some pairs have been documented shutting small birds they have caught alive into cliff crevices, having pulled out their flight feathers, to eat them later: a living larder.
It is named after Eleanor of Arborea, ruler of a Sardinian judicate, who in the 14th century enacted one of the earliest known laws protecting birds of prey.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Cliffs of islets and islands of the Mediterranean and Macaronesia; winters in Madagascar
Sexual maturity: 17.9 months
Gestation / incubation: 28 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falco_eleonorae