The family Falconidae, within the order Falconiformes, comprises the falcons and caracaras, a group of diurnal birds of prey known for their exceptional speed, agility, and keen eyesight. Falcons are characterized by a notched beak, long pointed wings, and a strong, muscular build, adaptations that allow them to hunt birds and small mammals in mid-air with remarkable precision. Caracaras, generally slower and more opportunistic, often scavenge as well as hunt. Members of this family are found worldwide, inhabiting diverse environments from deserts and grasslands to forests and urban areas. They play an important ecological role as predators, helping to maintain balanced populations of prey species and demonstrating impressive aerial hunting strategies that distinguish them from other raptors.