Falcons are raptors known for their speed, pointed wings, and specialized hunting style. They are distinct from other birds of prey like hawks and eagles due to their long, tapered wings built for rapid flight and their characteristic “toothed” beak. Ohio serves as an important location for these fliers, hosting some species year-round as residents and others as seasonal visitors during migration. Ohio’s varied landscape provides the necessary open spaces, tall structures, and plentiful prey base to support multiple falcon species.
Ohio’s Resident and Migratory Falcons
American Kestrel
The smallest and most numerous falcon observed in Ohio is the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), a year-round resident roughly the size of a robin. Males are easily identified by their striking slate-blue wings and rusty-red back, along with two distinct black stripes, often called “mustaches,” on a white face. This species is unique among North American falcons for its hunting method, which often involves hovering in place against the wind before diving onto prey.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is the largest of Ohio’s falcons and is recognized as the fastest animal in the world. This bird is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour during its hunting dive, known as a stoop. Peregrines have a dark, helmet-like hood and a black “mustache” mark that contrasts sharply with their pale chest and slate-blue back. They are modern residents that have adapted to nesting in Ohio’s urban environments.
Merlin
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is primarily observed as a migratory visitor passing through the state in spring and fall. Merlins are medium-sized falcons, slightly larger than the Kestrel, with a compact body and sharply pointed wings. Adult males have a blue-gray back, while females and juveniles are darker brown and heavily streaked. Merlins are known for their energetic pursuit of small birds, which they catch mid-air.
Habitats and Viewing Opportunities
American Kestrel Habitat
American Kestrels are birds of open country and farmland, utilizing meadows, pastures, and areas cleared for agriculture. These falcons frequently hunt from conspicuous, elevated perches like utility wires, telephone poles, or fence posts alongside rural roads. Observing a small raptor perched on a wire with its tail bobbing is a reliable way to spot a Kestrel.
Peregrine Falcon Habitat
Peregrine Falcons are concentrated in Ohio’s major urban centers like Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. They have successfully substituted their natural cliffside nesting sites with man-made structures, including skyscrapers, bridges, and other tall buildings. Birdwatchers can find them by scanning the tops of the tallest structures or major bridge spans near waterways, where they establish their nesting territories.
Merlin Habitat
Merlins are less common and more challenging to spot, as they pass through Ohio during long-distance migrations. The best chance to see these falcons is during the spring and fall along the Lake Erie shoreline or in other open coastal areas. They are often seen patrolling these areas in search of migratory songbirds or shorebirds, which make up the bulk of their diet during travel periods.
Conservation History and Status
Peregrine Recovery
The Peregrine Falcon population in Ohio and the eastern United States faced near-total collapse in the mid-20th century. This decline was caused by the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which accumulated in the food chain and interfered with the female falcons’ calcium metabolism. This resulted in the production of thin, fragile eggshells that broke under the weight of the incubating adult, leading to reproductive failure.
Following the 1972 ban on DDT, a reintroduction effort was launched to restore the Peregrine Falcon population. Ohio’s program, which began in the late 1980s, involved releasing captive-bred birds into cities through a process known as hacking. This success resulted in the Peregrine Falcon being removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999 and the state’s endangered species list in 2015.
American Kestrel Decline
While the Peregrine Falcon population has recovered, the American Kestrel is currently experiencing a decline in its numbers across North America. Scientists believe this downward trend is due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, competition for suitable nesting cavities, and effects from pesticides. Conservation efforts for the Kestrel now focus on monitoring populations and providing artificial nest boxes in agricultural areas where natural cavities are scarce.