Falcons are present in Minnesota, thriving across diverse landscapes from open fields to urban centers. These raptors are birds of prey known for their exceptional aerial speed, pointed wings, and dark facial markings. Minnesota hosts several species, ranging from the smallest and most common falcon in North America to the largest and rarest winter visitor. Some species are year-round residents, while others appear only during migration or the coldest months.
The Falcon Species Found in Minnesota
The most common and widespread falcon observed in the state is the American Kestrel, the smallest falcon on the continent. Males are identified by their striking rusty-orange back and tail, slate-blue wings, and distinct vertical black slashes on their pale face. This small raptor primarily hunts insects and small rodents, often seen hovering or perched on roadside wires scanning the ground below.
The Merlin is a small, robust falcon, slightly larger than the Kestrel. Merlins have darker, more uniformly blue-gray or brownish plumage, giving them a compact appearance in flight. They are known for their swift, agile pursuit of prey, which consists mostly of small to medium-sized birds captured in mid-air.
The largest regularly occurring falcon in Minnesota is the Peregrine Falcon, known worldwide for its incredible speed, reaching over 200 miles per hour during its hunting dive, called a stoop. Peregrines possess a distinctive black hood that contrasts sharply with their pale, barred undersides and blue-gray backs. The arctic-dwelling Gyrfalcon, the largest falcon species globally, is an irregular and rare winter visitor, primarily sighted in the northern parts of the state, such as near Duluth.
Habitat and Seasonal Presence
The American Kestrel is highly adaptable, found in open country, agricultural fields, and along roadsides, utilizing isolated trees or utility wires as hunting perches. While northern populations migrate south, Kestrels are seen year-round in southern Minnesota, making them the most reliably present falcon. Their preference for open habitats is tied to scanning for prey from a high vantage point.
Merlins are often encountered during spring and fall migration as they travel between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. While historically found in northern coniferous forests, Merlins have increasingly adapted to breeding in suburban and urban areas. They sometimes use the old stick nests of crows in the Twin Cities metro region. These falcons prefer open areas near tree cover, which allows them to hunt small birds in flight.
The Peregrine Falcon’s habitat is closely linked to vertical structures that mimic its traditional cliff-side nesting sites. Historically, they nested on bluffs along the Mississippi River and the North Shore of Lake Superior. Today, while some Peregrines still use natural cliffs, many have adopted the tall buildings, bridges, and power plant smokestacks of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul as artificial cliffs. This makes them a visible part of the urban ecosystem.
The Peregrine Falcon Success Story in Minnesota
The Peregrine Falcon population in Minnesota and across much of North America faced near total extirpation by the mid-20th century. The cause of this decline was the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s and 1960s. The chemical residue accumulated in the falcons’ prey, causing them to lay eggs with dangerously thin shells that often broke under the weight of the incubating parent.
Following the ban of DDT in the United States in 1972, conservation efforts, including a major captive breeding and release program, began the road to recovery. In Minnesota, reintroduction efforts began with the release of captive-bred chicks using structures called “hack boxes.” These artificial nest platforms were placed on high cliffs and tall man-made structures to simulate a natural eyrie.
The project, which included a partnership between The Raptor Center and state agencies, successfully released hundreds of young falcons throughout the Midwest starting in the 1980s. Companies like Xcel Energy contributed by placing nest boxes on power plant smokestacks, which are 300 to 600 feet high, providing ideal breeding sites. This effort led to the establishment of multiple breeding pairs in the state, transforming the Peregrine Falcon from an endangered species to a conservation success story.