Bird

Eleonora's Falcon

Falco eleonorae

Also known as Eleonora Falcon

Uniquely adapted among European raptors, Eleonora's falcons delay their breeding season until late summer to exploit the massive autumn migration of songbirds crossing the Mediterranean. Nesting colonially on rocky sea cliffs and offshore islets, these sleek hunters perform extraordinary aerial feats, often hunting in coordinated groups at high altitudes. They winter in Madagascar, undertaking a massive long-distance migration across the African continent after the breeding season concludes.

MigratingRaptorCoastal

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Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preySongbirds, Dragonflies, Beetles

Predators

Black rat
Yellow-legged gull
Eurasian eagle-owl

ThreatsCoastal development, climate change, colony disturbance, invasive nest predators

HabitatsCoastal cliffs, rocky islands, open marine areas, Mediterranean garrigue

Life span10–15 years

Classification

FamilyFalconidae
SpeciesFalco eleonorae

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Recognized by long slender wings, long tail, dark trailing wing edges, and light or dark color morphs.
Support conservation: Avoid landing on offshore nesting islets between July and October; view colonies from boats or mainland cliffs.

Responsible observation

Colony Observation: Use a spotting scope from mainland viewpoints to watch island nesting colonies without causing disturbance.
Autumn Migration: Position along Mediterranean headlands in late August and September to see adults hunting migrating songbirds.
Flight Identification: Look for exceptionally long, slender wings and a long tail relative to body size during aerial maneuvers.

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