Falcons are swift, skilled hunters, and Tennessee hosts a population of these raptors. They can be found across the state’s diverse landscapes, from mountainous regions to open agricultural plains. Tennessee is home to several species, offering unique viewing opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
The American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is the most commonly encountered and widespread falcon species in Tennessee, and the smallest falcon in North America. This bird is a year-round resident, making it a familiar sight in many habitats. The kestrel is visually striking, exhibiting clear sexual dimorphism.
The male features colorful plumage, including slate-blue wings and a rusty-red back and tail. Its head is boldly patterned with two distinct vertical dark stripes on each side of its pale face, often described as “mustache marks.” The female is slightly larger and less colorful, with bright brown wings and back marked with darker barring.
These small falcons prefer open areas such as croplands, pastures, and roadsides, often hunting from an exposed perch. They are frequently seen perched on utility lines or fence posts, scanning for prey like large insects, small mammals, and small birds. Kestrels are also known for hovering over a field on rapidly beating wings when a suitable perch is unavailable. They are cavity nesters, relying on natural tree hollows, abandoned woodpeper holes, or human-provided nest boxes.
The Peregrine and Merlin
Tennessee is home to two other falcon species: the Peregrine Falcon and the Merlin. Both are less common than the kestrel. The Peregrine Falcon is a medium-sized raptor marked by a black “helmet” and a bold black “mustache” on its white cheeks. Historically, Peregrine populations suffered significant declines, but conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs in the 1980s and 1990s, have led to recovery.
The Peregrine Falcon is uncommon in Tennessee, though it can be found during any season. It is a rare breeder, with active nesting sites, or eyries, often located on high cliff faces, such as those in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Migrating Peregrines are more widely observed during the fall, following major flyways like the Cumberland Plateau and the Mississippi River. These falcons are the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour during hunting dives.
The Merlin is a small, compact falcon, slightly larger than the American Kestrel but smaller than the Peregrine. Merlins are primarily transient migrants and rare winter residents in Tennessee, with no known nesting records. Unlike the kestrel, the Merlin lacks strong facial markings and rusty coloring, instead showing dark, streaky plumage and a powerful, direct flight pattern. They are most likely seen passing through the state between mid-September and late April, favoring open areas and river corridors.
Tips for Falcon Spotting
To successfully observe falcons in Tennessee, focus on their preferred perching and hunting behaviors. For the American Kestrel, look for them sitting on exposed power lines, telephone wires, or dead snags overlooking fields. These birds often pump their tails while perched, a behavior that helps distinguish them from other raptors. Open agricultural areas and roadsides provide excellent visibility for spotting kestrels year-round.
For the less common migrants, the best time to look is during the fall migration, specifically late September to early October. Peregrines are often sighted near large bodies of water, mountain ridges, or in urban areas where tall buildings mimic their natural cliff nesting sites. Watching for a bird with long, pointed wings and extremely fast, powerful flight helps identify a Peregrine Falcon or a Merlin.
Merlins, known for their rapid wingbeats, can be seen hunting small birds in open country or along riverbanks during migratory stopovers. Observing a falcon’s characteristic flight style helps distinguish them from soaring hawks or vultures, which typically have broader, more rounded wings.