Falcons are among the most extraordinary birds of prey on Earth. Built for speed, agility, and precision, they dominate the skies with aerodynamic bodies, pointed wings, and unmatched hunting ability. Unlike hawks and eagles—which rely more on soaring—falcons specialize in rapid pursuit and aerial attacks.
In the United States, birdwatchers can encounter four regularly occurring falcon species and several rare or localized ones that generate excitement whenever they appear. From the lightning-fast Peregrine Falcon to the colorful American Kestrel and the massive Arctic Gyrfalcon, each species represents a unique evolutionary strategy for survival.
This in-depth guide explores seven falcons found in the United States, covering identification, physical characteristics, habitat, diet, breeding behavior, migration, conservation status, and fascinating facts.
Overview of Falcons
Falcons belong to the genus Falco, except for the Crested Caracara, which is part of the falcon family but behaves quite differently from “true falcons.”
What Makes Falcons Unique?
Falcons differ from other raptors in several key ways:
- Tooth-like notch on the bill used to sever the spinal cord of prey
- Long, pointed wings designed for speed
- Exceptional eyesight, allowing them to detect prey from great distances
- Streamlined bodies that reduce drag during high-speed flight
Many falcons rely on aerial hunting rather than ambush tactics, making them some of the most thrilling birds to observe.
1. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon is perhaps the most famous bird of prey in the world. Known as the fastest animal on the planet, it has captivated scientists, falconers, and bird enthusiasts for centuries.
The name “peregrine” means wanderer, a fitting description for a species found on every continent except Antarctica.
Physical Characteristics
Peregrines are powerful, medium-large falcons with broad chests and muscular wings.
Typical measurements:
- Length: 13–23 inches
- Wingspan: 29–47 inches
- Weight: 1–3.5 pounds
Females are substantially larger than males.
Identification features:
- Blue-gray back
- Pale underside with dark barring
- Distinct black hood and facial “moustache”
- Yellow legs and eye-ring
Juveniles are browner with heavy streaking.
Speed and Hunting Mastery
Peregrine Falcons are legendary for their hunting dive, known as a stoop.
During a stoop, they can exceed:
👉 200–240 mph (320–386 km/h)
This makes them the fastest animal ever recorded.
They strike prey midair with clenched talons, often killing instantly from the impact alone.
Primary diet:
- Pigeons
- Shorebirds
- Ducks
- Songbirds
Urban peregrines frequently prey on rock pigeons, making cities surprisingly ideal hunting grounds.
Habitat
Historically cliff nesters, peregrines now thrive in:
- Coastal cliffs
- Mountain ranges
- River valleys
- Large cities
Skyscrapers mimic natural cliffs, leading to a remarkable urban comeback.
Breeding Behavior
Peregrines do not build traditional nests. Instead, they create shallow depressions called scrapes.
Reproduction facts:
- Clutch size: 3–4 eggs
- Incubation: ~33 days
- Fledging: 5–6 weeks
Both parents defend the nest aggressively.
Conservation Success
By the mid-1900s, peregrines nearly vanished from North America due to DDT poisoning.
After pesticide bans and captive breeding programs:
✅ Populations rebounded dramatically
✅ Removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999
Today, the Peregrine Falcon stands as one of conservation’s greatest victories.
2. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America—but don’t let its size fool you. It is a fierce predator with remarkable hovering ability.
Often seen perched on wires or fence posts, kestrels are familiar sights across much of the country.
Physical Characteristics
Measurements:
- Length: 8–12 inches
- Wingspan: 20–24 inches
- Weight: 3–6 ounces
Coloration is striking:
- Rusty-red back and tail
- Blue-gray wings (males)
- Two bold facial stripes
- Cream-colored belly
Females lack the blue wing patches and show more barring.
Hunting Strategy
Kestrels are masters of energy-efficient hunting.
They frequently hover into the wind, scanning the ground before dropping onto prey.
Diet includes:
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Small rodents
- Lizards
- Small birds
Their adaptability helps them thrive in diverse environments.
Habitat
American Kestrels prefer open areas such as:
- Grasslands
- Farmland
- Meadows
- Suburbs
- Highway corridors
They are cavity nesters, using:
- Tree holes
- Nest boxes
- Building crevices
Unlike many raptors, they do not build nests.
Migration
Northern populations migrate south for winter, while southern birds often remain year-round.
Conservation Concern
Despite being widespread, kestrel numbers have declined in parts of North America.
Possible causes include:
- Habitat loss
- Competition for nest cavities
- Pesticides
- Climate shifts
Nest box programs are helping researchers monitor populations.
3. Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The Merlin is a compact, high-speed falcon known for relentless pursuit hunting. Historically called the “pigeon hawk,” it is fearless despite its modest size.
Birdwatchers often witness Merlins chasing flocks in explosive aerial attacks.
Physical Characteristics
Measurements:
- Length: 9–13 inches
- Wingspan: 20–26 inches
- Weight: 5–8 ounces
Appearance:
- Dark streaked chest
- Banded tail
- Broad wings
- Rapid wingbeats
Females are larger and browner.
Behavior and Hunting
Merlins rely on surprise and endurance rather than extreme diving speeds.
They chase prey horizontally until it tires.
Primary prey:
- Sparrows
- Finches
- Shorebirds
- Small waterbirds
Urban wintering populations have increased in recent decades.
Habitat
Breeding habitats include:
- Boreal forests
- Northern woodlands
In winter, they appear in:
- Cities
- Coastal regions
- Grasslands
They often reuse crow or hawk nests.
Migration
Most Merlins migrate long distances between Canada and the U.S., though some remain year-round in milder regions.
Fascinating Fact
Unlike kestrels, Merlins almost never hover—they are birds of constant motion.
4. Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
The Prairie Falcon is the signature falcon of the American West. Built for open landscapes, it is both swift and powerful.
Though less famous than peregrines, it is equally impressive.
Identification
Measurements:
- Length: 15–18 inches
- Wingspan: 35–45 inches
- Weight: 1–2 pounds
Key features:
- Sandy-brown coloration
- Dark “armpit” patches visible in flight
- Narrow wings
- Pale underside
Its camouflage blends perfectly into desert terrain.
Habitat
Prairie Falcons prefer:
- Deserts
- Grasslands
- Sagebrush plains
- Agricultural valleys
They often nest on cliffs.
Diet
These falcons hunt both birds and mammals.
Common prey includes:
- Ground squirrels
- Meadowlarks
- Horned larks
- Doves
They are known for explosive low-level attacks.
Conservation
Populations remain relatively stable, though habitat conversion poses risks.
Rare or Occasional Falcons
5. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon on Earth—a powerful Arctic predator.
Seeing one in the continental U.S. is a dream for many birders.
Physical Characteristics
Measurements:
- Length: 19–25 inches
- Wingspan: 4–5 feet
- Weight: up to 4 pounds
Color morphs range from dark gray to nearly pure white.
Habitat
Primarily Arctic tundra.
Winter movements sometimes bring them into:
- Northern plains
- Great Lakes
- Northern coastal states
Hunting Ability
Gyrfalcons specialize in capturing tough prey such as:
- Ptarmigan
- Grouse
- Ducks
They combine speed with brute strength.
Cultural Importance
Highly prized in medieval falconry, they were once considered birds fit for royalty.
6. Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
Though technically a falcon, the Crested Caracara behaves more like a hawk or vulture.
It walks frequently and scavenges with confidence.
Identification
Measurements:
- Length: 19–23 inches
- Wingspan: about 4 feet
Distinctive traits:
- Orange facial skin
- Black cap
- White neck
- Long yellow legs
Habitat in the U.S.
Primarily found in:
- Texas
- Florida
- Southern Arizona
They favor ranchlands and prairies.
Diet
Extremely opportunistic:
- Roadkill
- Carrion
- Reptiles
- Insects
- Bird eggs
They often dominate smaller scavengers.
Behavior
Caracaras are intelligent and bold.
Some even steal food from other birds.
7. Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis)
Once widespread in the Southwest, the Aplomado Falcon nearly disappeared from the U.S.
Reintroduction programs are slowly restoring populations.
Appearance
Measurements:
- Length: 14–16 inches
- Wingspan: 3–4 feet
Striking features:
- Slate-gray back
- Bold facial pattern
- Rust-colored thighs
- Long tail
Elegant and athletic in flight.
Habitat
Prefers open terrain with scattered trees:
- Desert grasslands
- Coastal prairies
Currently most likely seen in southern Texas.
Hunting Style
Often hunts cooperatively in pairs.
Diet includes:
- Small birds
- Large insects
- Rodents
- Lizards
Their aerial agility rivals that of larger falcons.
Conservation Efforts
Threats included:
- Overgrazing
- Habitat loss
- Pesticides
Captive breeding and release programs offer hope for recovery.
Final Thoughts: Masters of the Air
Falcons embody speed, precision, and adaptability. From the Peregrine’s record-breaking dives to the kestrel’s hovering grace and the Gyrfalcon’s Arctic dominance, each species reveals a different path to predatory success.
Their survival depends on habitat protection, responsible pesticide use, and continued conservation initiatives.
When a falcon slices through the sky, it represents millions of years of aerodynamic perfection—a reminder that some of nature’s greatest wonders are still soaring above us.