Falcons are present in Illinois, inhabiting its diverse landscapes. Some species are common residents, others are migratory, and some have made remarkable comebacks. These raptors play a role in the state’s ecosystems, found from urban centers to open grasslands.
Identifying Illinois’ Falcons
Illinois is home to three primary falcon species: the American Kestrel, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon.
The American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, measures about 9 to 12 inches in length with a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches. Males exhibit striking slate-blue wings and a rusty-red back and tail, while females have a more subdued reddish-brown coloration with black barring, both featuring a distinctive double black stripe on their faces. These birds are often seen hovering over fields with rapid wingbeats as they scan for prey.
The Merlin is a small, robust falcon, slightly larger than the American Kestrel, typically ranging from 10 to 14 inches long. Its appearance varies, with males often displaying blue-gray feathers on the back and a banded tail, while females and young birds are dark brown on the back. Merlins are known for their powerful, direct flight, sometimes resembling a small Peregrine Falcon or a large American Kestrel.
The Peregrine Falcon, recognized as the fastest bird globally, measures between 15 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of 3 to 4 feet. Adults have a blue-gray back, white to orange underparts with darker spots, and distinctive dark “sideburns” on their faces. Immature Peregrines are browner on their upper side with cream-colored, streaked underparts. These falcons are renowned for their hunting dives, or “stoops,” which can exceed 200 miles per hour.
Where and When to Observe Falcons
Falcons in Illinois can be observed in various habitats throughout the year, depending on the species and their migratory patterns.
American Kestrels are common year-round residents across the state, frequently found in open areas such as grasslands, farmlands, and even urban settings. They often perch on wires or treetops along roadsides, making them relatively easy to spot.
Merlins are primarily seen in Illinois during spring and fall migration periods, though some may remain as rare winter residents, especially in southern regions. They tend to frequent woodland edges and open areas, and have increasingly been observed in urban and suburban environments. Their migration through the state typically occurs in March and then again in August.
Peregrine Falcons are present in Illinois as migrants, winter residents, and summer residents. They adapt well to urban environments, often nesting on tall structures like skyscrapers and bridges in cities such as Chicago. These urban areas provide similar advantages to their traditional cliffside nesting sites. They can also be found along Lake Michigan and other rivers and lakes, particularly where large flocks of waterfowl are present.
Conservation and Recovery Efforts
Falcons in Illinois have faced significant historical challenges, notably the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the mid-20th century. DDT accumulated in the food chain, causing eggshells to thin and leading to reproductive failures in raptors, including Peregrine Falcons. By 1951, the last breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons in Illinois was documented, and the species was federally listed as endangered by 1970.
In response to their decline, extensive conservation programs were initiated. The Chicago Peregrine Release Program, established in 1985 through collaborations with organizations like the Chicago Academy of Sciences and Lincoln Park Zoo, aimed to re-establish Peregrine Falcon populations in Illinois. These efforts included captive breeding and reintroductions, particularly using urban buildings as suitable nesting sites.
Due to these dedicated efforts and the banning of DDT, the Peregrine Falcon population has substantially recovered. The species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999 and from Illinois’ state list in 2014. The Chicago Peregrine Program continues to monitor nesting pairs and conduct research to ensure the ongoing success of these birds in Illinois. American Kestrels, while common, have also faced declines due to habitat loss, prompting conservation efforts focused on protecting their habitats and providing nesting cavities.