Most adult Peregrines in Texas will be medium to dark gray on the back, separating them from other falcons. Their size is noticeably larger than an American Kestrel or Merlin, with nearly double the wingspan. The wings are narrow and clearly pointed at the tips, lacking any spread out feather tips, or “fingers”, that other raptors like hawks and vultures will show. Identifying a Peregrine Falcon when you see one begins with the size and shape. They prey animal is often killed on impact from the sheer force of contact. When dive bombing prey targets like a duck or dove, their free fall dives can reach high speeds of over 200 mph. Peregrine Falcons are also the fastest animal on the planet. It’s actually a global species, found on all continents except Antarctica. The Peregrine Falcon is easily the most iconic species in the falcon family. Large falcon, twice the size of a kestrel.They may be seen hunting open spaces like an American Kestrel, but will also patrol open woodlands in search of food. Prey is abundant near coastal marshes and shorelines, which attract predators in higher than average abundance.įavorite food items include sparrows, swallows, shorebirds, and almost any other bird smaller than the Merlin.Īway from the coast, Merlins are uncommon but regular. These small but fierce predators are most easily found along the coast during the cooler months of the year. Hunting other birds is a common behavior of the falcon family, and certainly isn’t unique to Merlins. Merlins prey mostly on smaller birds like swallows, sparrows, and small shorebirds like Least Sandpipers. They differ in appearance by the Merlin’s more plain facial features, and more bold streaking on the breast and stomach. Merlins are the other small falcon in Texas, just barely larger than a kestrel. Summertime Kestrels can be found north of Dallas, in the Lubbock area and entire panhandle, and higher elevations in west Texas like the Davis Mountains. Anywhere with open fields can potentially host a kestrel or two.Īlthough the bulk of the population migrates north for the summer, northern parts of the state will see moderate numbers year-round. It’s often seen perched on power lines and poles as it scans open grasslands for small rodents and insects to dive on.įrom late fall through early spring, American Kestrels are a common sight along suburban outskirts and in more rural areas. The American Kestrel is Texas’ smallest, most common, and most colorful falcon. Blue and red feathers visible on males Photo by Andy Morffew.Falcons are classified in the family Falconidae, while hawks are in the family Accipitradae. ![]() Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but are not closely related. Hawks have more broad wings, and are proportionally more bulky, usually built for power rather than speed. What’s the Difference between a Hawk and a Falcon?įalcons are different from hawks in their smaller size, slim build, and narrow pointed wings built for speed and agility. November through March is the best time to see them, especially along the coast. Winter is when falcon diversity peaks in Texas, as migrant falcons move south where prey is more abundant. Of those, 6 are regularly found in the state, while 2 species were one-hit wonders – with only a single individual ever documented. ![]() Texas officially has 8 documented species of falcon.
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