The vultures and condors form a family of raptors that do not seize live prey. Their heads lack feathers and are covered only with skin. This family includes the Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture and the endangered California Condor. The Osprey is the only member of its family and can be found throughout the world. The Falcons and Caracaras are in the same family, although their appearances and behaviors are very different.
Falcons are slim, hawk-like birds, with pointed wings and long tails.
They prey on insects, spiders, other birds and rodents. Falcons include the common American Kestral and the endangered Peregrine Falcon. Caracaras are South American birds, sometimes found in Florida and the southwestern United States. They lack feathers on their faces and feed on carrion. The Secretary Bird of Africa is the only surviving member of its family, which also includes two extinct species.