Most falconids are carnivores, though several species are scavengers and some caracaras include plant matter in their diet. As a whole, falconids eat a wide variety of prey. While some species are more specialized than others, most will opportunistically take a variety prey. Prey items include mammals (from mice to lambs), adult and nestling birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, fish, crayfish, adult and larval insects, wasp and bee nests, fruit, carrion and dung. Most falconids catch prey from soaring flight or by darting from a concealed perch, but a variety of other hunting methods are also employed. Pairs of Aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis) hunt cooperatively to flush and catch small birds. Some caracaras walk or run over the ground to scatter and catch insects. Yellow-headed caracaras (Milvago chimachima) pick ticks from the backs of cattle, among other hunting methods. Kleptoparasitism (stealing food from other birds) is a common behavior among falconids, who steal from gulls, pelicans and other raptors. Food caching is also quite common.
Foraging Behavior: stores or caches food
Primary Diet: carnivore (Eats terrestrial vertebrates, Piscivore , Eats eggs, Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods, Scavenger ); herbivore (Frugivore )