The birds of prey or falcons, are found in the South Western region of the United States which is their ideal habitat. Here, they get to enjoy the rock, canyons, expansive grassland, and open deserts. These are incredible birds with a speed record of up to 200 mph.
Five prominent falcons are popular in Arizona, so let’s get to know about their behavior, physical attributes, and why they are such captivating creatures living in the wild.
1. Peregrine Falcon
Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
Life span: 8-15 years
Size: 14-19 inches (36-48 cm)
Weight: 1.1-3.3 pounds (500-1500 grams)
Wingspan: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Location
These falcons exhibit incredible speed and hunting ability. It is found across the country, except in Antarctica and North America. These birds of prey are mostly seen in diverse locations, such as coastal, and urban skyscrapers and cliffs. They also have a great fondness for building nests on tall buildings, they are also seen within the cities.
Appearance
They have blue-grey feathers, a sleek body structure, and black mustache markings on their face which makes them very distinctive. The adult male and female falcons look quite similar, however the females are larger in size. They have slate grey back with faint bars and the chest has thick dark lines with white or tan colored feathers.
Breeding Season
The males are seen performing aerial displays during the breeding season which include strength, agility, and hunting skills; they also show aerobatic maneuvers through deep chases and steep dives. When a female falcon chooses a male, they are seen flying together. They usually nest on cliffs or rocky outcroppings using dirt, gravel, grass, moss, gravel, etc. Usually, they show monogamous behavior where they mate for life and are seen returning to the same nest every year. The main duty of the parents is to protect the nest from invaders.
Eating Habits
The primary diet of these falcons includes medium-sized birds, such as sparrows, doves, and pigeons, but they can also prey on ducks and small mammals. It has been noted that around 450 variants of birds are on their prey list. They eat almost anything and that includes geese, songbirds, hummingbirds, bats, etc.
Present Status
Peregrine falcons were once declared to be endangered due to the use of a pesticide which led to the thinning of eggshells, a decline in fertility, and chick survival. After the ban of DDT, they have significantly risen in numbers and there has been a narrow recovery. However, still, in certain areas, these birds of prey are facing habitat loss and so there has been a question about their revival and survival.
2. American Kestrel
Scientific name: Falco sparverius
Life span: 5-10 years
Size: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Weight: 2.8-5.8 ounces (80-164 grams)
Wingspan: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Location
The American Kestrel is known for its hunting skills and stunning appearance. It is native to Arizona and widely found across North America across diverse habitats. It can live in grasslands, parks, pastures, deserts, or even urban areas without any hesitation. They are also known as Sparrow Hawk, as they have the ability to catch prey mid-air.
Appearance
They have rust-colored backs and tails, captivating plumage with blue-grey wings, and also a distinctive white and black face pattern. They are quite known for their appearance but the male and female both look somewhat similar, however, females are larger in size. However, if you still want to distinguish them, males have white bellies and flanks with black bars, and females have buff or tan with brown streaks. They are also known to be the smallest falcons and are sized similarly to an American Robin.
Breeding Season
These falcons are solitary birds and are usually seen to form monogamous pairs during the March to June time phase. They have a complex courtship behavior where the males are seen performing aerial displays to show their agility, strength, and hunting skills across the steep dives and aerobatic maneuvers. The female bird decides the nesting area which is usually a natural tree cavity using twigs, grass, and feathers.
Eating Habits
Based on the availability and season, they usually prey on insects, birds, and small rodents. They usually perch at a high branch, scan the entire area for prey, and then dive down to capture them with their sharp talons. They have great strategies to catch prey and due to their diverse feeding habits, they occupy most of the ecological niches in Alaska and South America.
Present Status
They have a small size, so larger falcons sometimes prey on them affecting their population. Also, due to habitat loss, these falcons are facing a decline in population. Also, invasive creatures create trouble for them to nest. However, efforts are being made so that they can choose a nesting site in man-made nesting boxes.
3. Merlin
Scientific name: Falco columbarius
Life span: 5-10 years
Size: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Weight: 5-7 ounces (140-198 grams)
Wingspan: 20-26 inches (51-66 cm)
Location
Marlin is known for his nimble flight and hunting skills. This is a small bird of prey which are mostly found across the northern hemisphere and a native of Arizona. They thrive in diverse habitats, such as coastal regions, forests, and grasslands.
Appearance
These birds of prey have dark blue-grey feathers on the back and wings, with roasted breasts and underpasses. The females are larger in size, although the males and females look quite similar in their marking, but if you look up close females have lighter shades of color than males. They are stockier in build and have sharp and pointed wings with medium-sized tails.
Breeding Season
During the breeding season, they engage in flight and vocalizations, after they form a bond. They get engaged in aerial display and mate for life and every year return to the same nesting site. They choose to build nests in abandoned buildings, forests, or cliffs. Merlins can also re-purpose that nest built by a crow or Magpie. Their duty is to nurture the young ones and protect the nest at any cost. The chicks before becoming independent learn the hunting skills from their parents.
Eating Habits
Merlin attacks small songbirds, finches, sparrows, and warblers as they are known for being fierce predators. They also attack large birds, such as woodpeckers and jays.
Present Status
Recently, Merlins were recognized as having a stable population in Arizona. Their hunting and habitat loss has been reported recently, leading to a short decline. However, conservation and protective measures are being taken to recover the population.
4. Crested Caracara
Scientific name: Caracara cheriway
Life span: Up to 20 years
Size: 52-60 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 900-1,500 grams (2-3.3 pounds)
Wingspan: 120-132 cm (47-52 inches)
Location
Crested Caracara is mostly found in North Central and Southern America.
Appearance
They are attractive for their plumage of white, black, and brown. They have a highlighted crust on the regal head but they stand out for their unique social expression. These charming birds of prey are skilled scavengers and can also steal food from other birds.
Breeding Season
These falcons are great nest builders and use sticks, branches of tall trees, or even cacti to construct large nests. They show unique breeding character and the entire family or groups work together to raise the young ones. These groups usually have breeding pairs and their offspring from the previous year. Sometimes, unrelated individuals are also included in the group and it shows a communal effort to prevent threats and ensure protection.
Eating Habits
These birds show an omnivorous diet and they mainly feed on carrion or leftovers by other animals. They are seen to prey on reptiles, amphibians, birds, eggs, mammals, and insects. They have great hunting skills both in the air and on the ground. They can live in a variety of habitats because of their adaptable diet.
Present Status
Previously, they were mistaken to be a threat to livestock and were hunted down, but at present with conservation efforts and including awareness campaigns, it has become possible to restore the population. To ensure that they survive for the long term, continuous monitoring and conservation are being done.
5. Prairie Falcon
Scientific name: Falco mexicanus
Life span: 10-15 years
Size: 35-46 cm (14-18 inches)
Weight: 500-750 grams (1.1-1.7 pounds)
Wingspan: 84-114 cm (33-45 inches)
Status: Least Concern
Location
These birds of prey are found in the open spaces of North America. They are mostly seen in the Western regions of the United States and also range to the prairies of Canada. They are known for their striking appearance.
Appearance
These falcons are seen in earthy tones with brown warm to cream color variations. They have sharp eyes and the physics is quite streamlined which is meant for high-speed flight.
Breeding Season
These birds are seen nesting on the cliffs or utilizing the rocky outcrops or rocky crevices. They build their nest using gravel, twigs, or other available material. The birds are monogrammers and return to the same nesting location every year. They defend their territory and nesting site from intruders and also have strong protection behavior towards the young ones.
Eating Habits
They have a variety of diets ranging from small to medium-sized birds. They also hunt in open grassland and this speed helps them to chase prey in mid-air. They also feed on ground-dwelling mammals and insects.
Present Status
They are not at present species of concern and conservation has made them maintain a stable population. Also, there has been no disturbance in their territory or nesting habits. Sustainable land management practices have also protected the falcons, helping them to dwell in their natural habitat without any threat
Where Can You Search for the Falcon?
Falcons usually paper open areas or perches on high branches which helps them either to hunt or rest. You can use a binocular or spotting scope to track these birds from a distance, otherwise, visit the habitat during the early morning or late afternoon when they are much more visible and active. However, it is always advised to admire them or observe them from a safe distance without disturbing them.
What is the Best Time to Observe the Falcons?
The best time to observe falcons is during their nesting time – during spring and summer. During winter, you might spot migratory falcons.
Which Falcon is Spotted During Winter?
Merlin is mostly spotted during the winter.
Which Falcons are Seen all Year?
American Kestrel, Crested Caracara, Peregrine Falcon, and Prairie Falcon, are seen throughout the year.
What Conservation Efforts are Helping the Falcon Species to Survive?
Falcons face multiple threats in the form of hunting, pesticide usage, climate change, and loss of habitat which has a negative impact on their population. Thus, conservation efforts are implemented, in the form of –
- Nest box programs
- Reducing or banning the use of certain pesticides, such as DDT.
- Species-related habitat protection
- Habitat restoration program
- Species reintroduction programs
What is The Best Place to Spot a Falcon?
The best place to spot a falcon is –
- Coconino National Forest for Peregrine Falcons
- Saguaro National Park for American Kestrels
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area for Prairie and Aplomado Falcons.
- Chiricahua Mountains
- Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
How Long Do Falcons Live?
Most of the adult falcons are known to live for about 10 years and the longest lifespans are of peregrine falcons, who are known to live for 17 years.
Do Falcons Stay Active at Night?
Some falcons such as peregrine falcons are diurnal and they remain active during night as well as day.
What is Falconry?
Falconry is the art of training birds of prey, which is seen in Arizona and it helps in conservation and educating the locals about these birds.
