Falconiforms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A category of birds characterized by keen eyesight and strong talons, including hawks, eagles, and falcons; members of this group are often skilled hunters known for their speed and precision
2. A classification of predatory birds that features raptors such as falcons and their relatives, distinguished by sharp beaks and powerful flight abilities; these avian species typically prey on smaller animals
3. A group within the bird kingdom comprising species like falcons and hawks, recognized for their carnivorous behavior, swift flight, and adaptations suited for hunting and capturing prey in various habitats

Etymology: "Falconiforms" is the plural of "falconiform", a term for a bird belonging to the order Falconiformes, the group that includes falcons, caracaras and their relatives. The singular is built from "falcon," taken from Old French "faucon," itself from Late Latin "falco," with the Latin suffix "-iform," meaning "having the form of," added to it. Put together, the word describes birds of the falcon kind, and the plural names the whole order.

Synonyms: birds of prey, raptors