Missouri’s diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to bustling urban centers, provide refuge and hunting grounds for several species of falcons. These sleek, fast-flying raptors are present in the state, either as year-round residents or as migratory visitors passing through the central flyway. Understanding where and when to look for these efficient predators can turn a simple outing into a rewarding wildlife viewing experience.
The American Kestrel Missouri’s Resident Falcon
The most common and widespread falcon found across Missouri is the American Kestrel, North America’s smallest falcon species. These birds are easily recognized by their small size, about the length of a robin, and their vibrant coloration. Males display slate-blue wings that contrast with a rusty-red back, while females have a more uniform reddish-brown on their wings and back. Both sexes feature two distinct black vertical slashes on their white cheeks.
Kestrels occupy a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, farmlands, and suburban areas, where they often perch conspicuously on telephone wires or fence posts along roadsides. From these high vantage points, they hunt by watching for movement before swooping down, or by hovering in mid-air like miniature helicopters, a behavior unique among Missouri’s falcons. Their diet is primarily composed of large insects like grasshoppers and beetles during the warmer months, switching to small rodents and birds in the winter.
While some individuals migrate, many American Kestrels remain in Missouri throughout the year, especially in the southern parts of the state during winter. They are the only falcon in the region that nests in tree cavities and sometimes utilize specially placed nest boxes due to the decline of natural sites. Their adaptability makes them the easiest falcon to spot, providing consistent viewing opportunities across the state.
The Peregrine Falcon A Conservation Success Story
The Peregrine Falcon, famed as the world’s fastest animal, has made a remarkable recovery in Missouri. This species can reach speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour during its hunting dive, known as a “stoop,” targeting other birds in mid-air. Adults are identified by their blue-gray backs, barred underparts, and a distinct, dark “helmet” and a prominent black “mustache” mark on their face.
Historically, peregrines nested on river bluffs, but their population was nearly eliminated due to the widespread use of the insecticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning. Following the ban of DDT and dedicated reintroduction efforts beginning in the 1980s, the species has rebounded significantly. They are now often found in Missouri’s major urban centers, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, where skyscrapers and bridges mimic their natural cliff-side nesting habitats.
These urban environments provide an abundant food source, mainly pigeons and starlings. Conservation programs, including the placement of artificial nest boxes on tall buildings, have been instrumental in establishing breeding pairs in the state. Although removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, the Peregrine Falcon remains a species of conservation concern in Missouri, with ongoing efforts to monitor and support the population.
Other Falcon Species and Viewing Tips
The Merlin is a compact and fierce hunter slightly larger than the American Kestrel. Merlins are primarily seen as migrants, passing through the state during spring (March through May) and again in the fall (September to October). These falcons are known for their fast, direct flight with rapid wing beats, and they often hunt small birds by surprise.
Merlins are less common than kestrels and peregrines, but they can occasionally be spotted in grasslands, crop fields, and sometimes in urban areas as they follow migrating flocks of smaller birds. The Prairie Falcon is a rare, accidental visitor to Missouri, typically only occurring in the western parts of the state during the winter months. These falcons are paler and lack the broad, dark mustache patch of the Peregrine Falcon.
To observe falcons, birders should focus on open areas and look for high perches, such as utility poles, dead trees, or the tops of tall city buildings. Migration periods, particularly in the fall, offer the best chance to see the less common Merlins as they move through the region. Binoculars are recommended for observing the birds’ distinctive field marks and hunting behaviors from a distance.