To compensate, smaller birds usually eat proportionately more food than larger birds to maintain their metabolism and body temperature. In many species the female is larger than the male and therefore captures and consumes larger prey. Food consumption is also influenced by season. C. Methods of collecting and eating food. The majority of diurnal birds of prey hunt independently, and capture and kill game with their talons.
Falcons use both their talons and beak to subdue prey.
Birds that feed on invertebrates tend to have higher hunting success rates than those that feed on vertebrates. The capture and killing of vertebrate prey is a highly developed skill that varies from species to species. Dives are usually initiated from a flapping, gliding, or hovering flight. At the final stage of the dive, the feet are thrust forward and the wings are held directly back. If the prey is not sufficiently stunned, the falcon will attack again.