Eleanor's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) is a remarkable bird of prey that can be observed in the Comunidad Valenciana, especially during its breeding season. This medium-sized falcon is known for its elegance and agile flight, adapting well to coastal environments.

Key characteristics of Eleanor's Falcon include:

• Appearance: Eleanor's Falcon has a slender build with long, pointed wings and a long tail. The adult plumage is predominantly dark, ranging from sooty brown to black, with lighter underparts in some individuals.
• Size: It measures about 36 to 42 cm in length, with a wingspan reaching between 87 to 104 cm, which aids in its aerial agility.
• Diet: This raptor primarily feeds on insects and small birds, capturing them in mid-air with remarkable skill.
• Breeding Habitat: Eleanor's Falcon is noted for its unusual breeding strategy, nesting later in the year to take advantage of the autumn migration of passerines, which constitute a significant part of its diet during this time. It often nests on cliff ledges and rocky islands along coasts.
• Conservation Status: While not considered endangered, Eleanor's Falcon is subject to habitat disturbances, making its protection essential on the rocky islets where it breeds.

Known locally as Halcón de Eleonora, this falcon is named after Eleanor of Arborea, a judge in Sardinia who established one of the first laws protecting birds of prey. Observing this falcon in its natural habitat in the Comunidad Valenciana offers an incredible glimpse into the region's rich avian diversity.