Falconinae

Falconinae is a group of small birds of prey that belong to the falcon family. This group includes 44 different species grouped into five main types. Some well-known types are the tiny falconets (Microhierax), the very small pygmy falcons (Polihierax), and the true falcons (Falco). Scientists have studied these birds using special tools and found that these groups are closely related, even though some need more study to fully understand their family tree.

These birds have an interesting history. Their closest relatives in the falcon family, called Polyborinae, separated from their ancestors about 30.2 million years ago, during a time called the Oligocene Epoch. Then, around 20 million years ago, in the Miocene Epoch, the Falconinae group split off from the Polyborinae. This long history helps scientists understand how these amazing birds evolved and adapted over millions of years.