Falcon

/ˈfælkən/ or /ˈfɔːkən/ noun

Definition

A bird of prey with a sharp beak and powerful wings, known for flying very fast and hunting other birds and small animals.

Etymology

From Old French “faucon,” from Late Latin “falco,” possibly from Latin “falx” meaning “sickle” or “hook,” referring to its curved claws or beak. Falcons have been trained for hunting (falconry) for many centuries.

Kelly Says

The name likely comes from the bird’s hooked claws, like a tiny flying sickle. Some falcons, like the peregrine, dive faster than a race car—over 300 km/h—making them the fastest animals on Earth.

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