Falcons, belonging to the genus Falco, are swift birds of prey recognized by their long, pointed wings and powerful flight, which allows them to hunt at incredible speeds. Massachusetts is home to three regularly occurring falcon species. The state’s diverse landscape, from urban high-rises to coastal marshes and open fields, supports the presence of these raptors.
The Peregrine Falcon: Massachusetts’ Success Story
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is the largest falcon in the state, known as the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching dive speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour. Adults are identifiable by their slate-gray back, lighter underside, and the distinct black “helmet” or hood with prominent mustache-like markings. Their long, pointed wings are built for speed and precision.
This species faced near-total disappearance from the eastern United States due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the mid-20th century. The chemical caused the falcons to lay eggs with thin shells that broke during incubation, wiping out the population by 1966. Following the ban on DDT, restoration efforts began, resulting in the first successful modern Massachusetts nest in 1987 on the Customs House Tower in Boston.
The recovery of the peregrine population has been driven by adaptation to the urban environment. Historically, they nested on natural cliff faces, but today, nearly 50 territorial pairs utilize man-made structures. These falcons now nest on tall buildings in cities like Boston and Worcester, large bridges, cell towers, and quarry ledges, using them as surrogate cliffs. This shift has allowed the species to thrive and exceed its pre-DDT population numbers.
The American Kestrel and Merlin: Smaller Raptors of the Region
Massachusetts is home to two smaller falcon species. The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is North America’s smallest and most colorful falcon, measuring about nine inches in length. Males sport slaty-blue wings, a rufous back, and a boldly patterned face with vertical black slashes.
Kestrels are often seen hovering, where they face into the wind and flap their wings to remain stationary while scanning the ground for prey. They prefer open habitats such as meadows, grasslands, and agricultural fields, hunting from a perch or while hovering for insects, small mammals, and small birds. The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is slightly larger than the kestrel and presents a stockier, darker profile.
Merlins possess a strong, purposeful flight style, contrasting with the kestrel’s buoyant, fluttery wingbeats. Adult males are slate-gray on the back and heavily streaked underneath, with a less defined facial pattern than the kestrel. These falcons are primarily associated with coastal areas during migration, aggressively pursuing and catching small birds in mid-air.
Best Locations and Times for Viewing
Peregrine Falcons are year-round residents and can be spotted in urban centers like Boston, where live nest cameras often stream activity from known nest boxes on skyscrapers. The large bridges spanning the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers are reliable places to look for nesting pairs.
The best time to see the migratory species, the American Kestrel and the Merlin, is during the fall migration, particularly in September and October. Birdwatchers congregate at coastal hawk watch sites like Plum Island at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. These coastal areas are excellent for spotting Merlins as they follow the shoreline south.
Inland viewing locations, such as Wachusett Mountain and Mount Watatic, are productive during the migration season. Kestrels are commonly seen perched on utility wires or fence posts overlooking open fields in the Connecticut River Valley, which has the highest densities of breeding falcons in the state.