Falcons are birds of prey belonging to the genus Falco, encompassing approximately 40 different species. Within this genus, smaller falcons with distinctive long, narrow wings are often referred to as hobbies, while those exhibiting hovering behavior during hunting are known as kestrels. Falcons boast a broad global distribution, inhabiting every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Fossil records indicate the presence of closely related raptors in Antarctica during the Eocene epoch.
In 1996, the taxonomic order of White et al. was followed, except for adjustments in the kestrel sequence.
In 2015, the bird genus previously known as "Sushkinia" was renamed Psushkinia.
As of 2021, the oldest falconid fossil is estimated to be 55 million years old, which suggests falcons may have originated in North America, Africa, the Middle East, or Europe.