Falcons, sleek and powerful raptors known for their pointed wings and incredible speed, are present in Pennsylvania. These birds of prey are masters of aerial hunting. The state’s diverse geography, ranging from dense forests to bustling urban centers, supports three native species of falcon. Identifying these birds and knowing where they live is the first step toward appreciating their role in the ecosystem.
Pennsylvania’s Iconic Falcon: The Peregrine
The Peregrine Falcon is the largest falcon found in the state, celebrated for its astonishing speed, reaching over 200 miles per hour during a hunting dive, or “stoop.” Adults are recognized by their slate-blue back, barred underparts, and a distinct, dark helmet-like marking below the eye, resembling a mustache. Their long, pointed wings are built for the high-speed pursuit of avian prey, ranging from pigeons to waterfowl.
This species was once eliminated from the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania, by the early 1960s. The decline was primarily attributed to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused the falcons to lay eggs with thin, easily breakable shells. Following the ban of DDT in 1972, extensive reintroduction and restoration programs began in Pennsylvania during the 1980s and 1990s. These efforts, which included releasing young falcons at hack sites, led to a remarkable comeback.
Today, the Peregrine Falcon population is thriving, and the species was removed from the state’s threatened species list in 2021. While historically they nested on high cliffs, modern Peregrines have adapted to urban life. They use tall man-made structures as substitutes for traditional cliffside habitats. Pairs are frequently found nesting on skyscrapers, bridges, and smokestacks in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, taking advantage of the abundant prey base.
The Smaller Raptors: American Kestrel and Merlin
Pennsylvania is home to two smaller falcon species, the American Kestrel and the Merlin, which differ significantly from the Peregrine in size and habitat preference. The American Kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America, roughly the size of a Mourning Dove. Males display vibrant slate-blue wings that contrast with a rusty-red back and tail, while females have rufous wings with barring.
Kestrels are often seen perched on utility wires along roadsides, favoring open habitats such as farmlands, orchards, and grasslands. They possess a unique hunting technique, frequently hovering over a field on rapidly beating wings while scanning for insect and small mammal prey before diving. Unlike most raptors, Kestrels do not build nests but rely on natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, or human-provided nest boxes.
The Merlin is slightly larger and stockier than the Kestrel, with a more compact build and shorter tail. Male Merlins are dark slate blue-gray above, while females and juveniles are browner; both sexes have heavily streaked underparts. The Merlin is a fierce hunter of small birds, often catching them in mid-air with a swift, aggressive flight.
While Merlins are expanding their breeding range southward, they are most commonly observed during their spring and fall migrations. Nests are now documented in the northern parts of Pennsylvania. These falcons are less predictable than Kestrels, often passing through the state along wooded edges or coastal areas, with peak migration occurring in late September and October.
Finding Falcons: Habitats and Viewing Tips
Spotting falcons requires knowing where to look and the best time of year for each species. To see the Peregrine Falcon, focus your search on urban centers with tall structures, such as bridges over major rivers or downtown skyscrapers. Active nesting sites are often monitored, and viewing requires looking toward the upper ledges of these buildings.
For the common American Kestrel, explore open agricultural areas, grasslands, and rural roadsides throughout the year. Watch for their characteristic hovering behavior over fields or look for their distinctive shape perched on telephone wires. The Kestrel’s preference for open country makes it the most accessible falcon for casual observation.
Observing the Merlin is best done during the autumn migration, when they travel through the state, especially along the Appalachian ridges. Hawk watches, such as the famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on the Kittatinny Ridge, are excellent locations to observe the passage of Merlins, Peregrines, and Kestrels as they follow the updrafts south. When viewing any raptor, using binoculars or a spotting scope is recommended to minimize disturbance and appreciate the bird’s features. Ethical viewing involves keeping distance from nesting sites and avoiding any action that might cause the birds to change their natural behavior.