Falcons are found in Maryland, supported by the state’s diverse geography, which includes coastal plains, urban centers, and Appalachian ridges. Three main species of these raptors are present: the Peregrine Falcon, the American Kestrel, and the Merlin. Each has a distinct presence and status within Maryland’s ecosystems.
The Three Falcon Species Found in Maryland
The American Kestrel, which is the smallest falcon in North America, is Maryland’s most common, maintaining a year-round presence across the state. Despite its common status, the Kestrel is designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to significant population declines in recent decades, particularly in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore corridor. Habitat loss from urbanization and the reduction of suitable nesting cavities are major contributing factors.
The Peregrine Falcon rebounded from near-extinction caused by DDT pesticide use in the mid-20th century. Intensive reintroduction efforts, including 19 releases between 1975 and 1984, helped the species establish a rare, breeding presence in the state. Today, it is classified as a rare breeder, with pairs often nesting on man-made structures that mimic their preferred natural cliff ledges.
The Merlin is considered an uncommon migrant and winter visitor to Maryland. While historically a transient species, there is increasing evidence of breeding activity in the western part of the state, such as in Garrett County. Merlins are powerful fliers, typically passing through during migration or spending the colder months along the coast.
Distinguishing Features and Flight Styles
The American Kestrel is the smallest of the three, comparable in size to a blackbird or mourning dove, and is the most colorful. Males are easily distinguished by their blue-gray wings and a rusty back, while both sexes feature distinct double black stripes, often called “sideburns,” on a white face. A signature behavior of the Kestrel is its ability to hover or “kite” in mid-air above a field while scanning for prey, often accompanied by a characteristic pumping of its tail when perched.
The Peregrine Falcon is built for sheer speed. Its plumage features a blue-gray back and a white underbelly marked with thin, horizontal barring. Its most recognizable feature is the dark hood and thick black facial stripe that resembles a mustache. When hunting, the Peregrine is known for its dramatic “stoop,” a high-speed dive that can reach up to 200 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on the planet.
The Merlin is intermediate in size. Unlike the Peregrine, the Merlin lacks a strong, distinct mustache marking, and its plumage is darker and more heavily streaked on the underparts. Its flight is direct, fast, and powerful, characterized by stiff, rapid wingbeats that give it a more compact and muscular appearance compared to the Kestrel’s lighter flight.
Where and When to Spot Them
Kestrels can be seen year-round, particularly in open habitats such as farmlands, open fields, and along rural roadsides. They commonly perch on telephone wires or utility lines, using them as elevated hunting posts over the grassy areas where they find insects and small rodents. Their numbers may appear higher during the migration periods in early spring and fall.
Peregrine Falcons are primarily sighted during their fall migration, from mid-September through November, as they follow coastlines and mountain ridges. Breeding pairs are reliably found in urban areas like Baltimore, where they nest on tall skyscrapers and bridges, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Coastal areas, such as Assateague Island, serve as a primary site for migrant Peregrines during the autumn months.
Merlins are best observed during the winter and migration seasons. These falcons often prefer coastal areas, saltmarshes, and open spaces near water, where they hunt shorebirds and small songbirds. Observers looking for possible breeding pairs should focus on areas of Western Maryland, such as Garrett County, where evidence of nesting activity has been noted in tall conifers.