How long have falcons been around?

Falcons, belonging to the family Falconidae, have existed for millions of years, with their ancestors dating back to the late Eocene epoch, around 35 million years ago. Modern falcons, as we recognize them today, began to diversify during the Miocene epoch, roughly 20 million years ago. They are known for their exceptional hunting skills and adaptations for speed, making them one of the most efficient predators among birds.