The Falconidae is one of two families within the order Falconiformes. Falconidae contains 11 genera and 64 species, and is divided into two subfamilies, Polyborinae (caracaras and forest-falcons) and Falconinae (true falcons and falconets).

Falconids can be found in most terrestrial habitats throughout the world, but the greatest diversity of falconids is found in South America and Africa. All falconids are able hunters that can take a variety of prey, including insects, birds, mammals, herpetiles and carrion. Most falconids are solitary and territorial, though a few species are colonial or semi-colonial. All but one species is monogamous, and pairs breed once per year, raising between one and six chicks. Both the male and female provide parental care, with the male providing the majority of food for the female and nestlings. ("Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)", 2002; "The Howard, Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World, and Third Edition", 2003; Kemp and Newton, 2003; Sibley and Ahlquist, 1990; Snyder, 2001; White, Olsen, and Kiff, 1994)