Falcons are birds of prey belonging to the genus Falco, which includes about 40 species. They are widely distributed across all continents except Antarctica, with origins that may be traced back to North America, Africa, or possibly the Middle East or Europe. Fossil evidence suggests falcons evolved about 55 million years ago. Today, they inhabit a broad range of habitats from tundra to rainforest and deserts. The peregrine falcon, one of the most well- known species, is cosmopolitan, found worldwide except in rainforests and cold Arctic regions, and increasingly adapts to urban areas for nesting.

In summary, falcons originated long ago and now come from various regions worldwide, living in diverse environments.