In the vast skies of New Hampshire, four types of falcons have been observed soaring with grace and agility. Among them are the American Kestrel, the smallest of the falcons, and the Peregrine Falcon, known as the fastest bird of prey. With their thin, tapered wings, these magnificent creatures can swiftly navigate through the air, executing sharp turns with ease. Interestingly, falcons employ their beaks, rather than their talons, to secure their prey. The ancient art of falconry, hunting with trained birds, often utilizes the mighty Peregrine Falcons. However, in New Hampshire, hawks, owls, eagles, and vultures also grace the skies, forming a diverse ecosystem of avian predators. Adorned with vibrant markings, American Kestrels boast dark gray heads with striking slashes on their faces, while Merlins exhibit their fierce nature despite their small size. Peregrine Falcons, on the other hand, boast bluish-black backs and wings, alongside heavily barred underwings. Nesting habits also differ among these falcons, with Peregrine Falcons seeking refuge on cliff ledges, while American Kestrels and Merlins opt for tree cavities or abandoned nests. The swift and agile Peregrine Falcons have a global presence, except in Antarctica, and are notorious for their supersonic dives to capture their prey. Although once endangered, the Peregrine Falcon has made a remarkable recovery, painting a hopeful future for these remarkable avian beings.
American Kestrel
Appearance
The American Kestrel, also known as the Sparrow Hawk, is the smallest falcon in North America. It measures about 9-12 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 20-24 inches. These beautiful birds display distinctive features with subtle differences between males and females.
The male American Kestrel has a dark gray head with a white face and a pair of vertical slashes or “sideburns” on each side. Its back and wings are bluish-gray, and its tail is rusty red with a black band near the end. The male’s chest is pale with black spots, while its belly is yellow with black bars.
On the other hand, the female American Kestrel has a rufous coloring on her back and wings, with a rusty tail marked by thin black barring. Her face is also rufous, and she has a cream-colored to light brown chest and belly with thick black barring.
Habitat and Nesting
American Kestrels can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from open grasslands and deserts to forests and urban areas. They often perch on utility wires, dead trees, or other elevated structures, scanning the ground for prey. While they are typically sedentary, some individuals migrate to warmer areas during the winter months.
When it comes to nesting, American Kestrels use tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or man-made nest boxes. They are cavity nesters and prefer open habitats with nearby perching and foraging opportunities. The female lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which she incubates for about a month. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and raising the chicks, which fledge after approximately 3-4 weeks.
Hunting and Feeding
American Kestrels have a diverse diet consisting of insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance, and their aerodynamic build and rapid flight allow them to make quick, agile movements during hunting. Unlike other falcons, American Kestrels primarily use their beaks, rather than their talons, to capture and kill their prey.
These skilled hunters often hover in mid-air, flapping their wings rapidly as they scan the ground for potential meals. Once they spot their quarry, they dive down and strike with precision, stunning or killing the prey on impact. American Kestrels are known to eat beetles, grasshoppers, lizards, small snakes, mice, voles, and small songbirds.
Merlin
Appearance
The Merlin is another small but fierce falcon species commonly found in North America. They measure around 9.5-12 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 20-26 inches. Merlins have a slim, compact body, with relatively short wings and a long tail. They are known for their speed and agility in flight.
Merlins have a variety of plumage colors depending on their subspecies. The three subspecies in North America are the Taiga Merlin, Prairie Merlin, and Black Merlin. The Taiga Merlin, found in the northern regions, has a dark gray back with a faint, pale line across its face, a white throat, and a buff or rufous-colored breast. The Prairie Merlin, found in the grasslands, has dark brown upperparts and a streaked breast with buffy and rusty tones. The Black Merlin, found primarily in the Pacific Northwest, is the darkest subspecies, with a blackish back, dark facial markings, and a pale throat.
Subspecies
The three subspecies of Merlins in North America have slightly different colorations, but they share similar characteristics and behaviors. The Taiga Merlin is associated with boreal forests and taiga habitats, while the Prairie Merlin prefers grasslands, agricultural areas, and open habitats. The Black Merlin, as its name suggests, is typically found in coastal and forested areas of the Pacific Northwest.
Habitat and Nesting
Merlins can be found in a wide range of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and even urban areas. They are adaptable and can nest in a variety of structures such as tree cavities, abandoned hawk or crow nests, or on cliff ledges. In urban environments, they may also use tall buildings as nesting sites.
Merlins typically lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young hatchlings are altricial, meaning they are born naked and helpless, relying on their parents for warmth, protection, and food. After about 3-4 weeks, the chicks are ready to fledge and begin their independent lives.
Peregrine Falcon
Appearance
The Peregrine Falcon is renowned for its incredible speed and agility. It is a medium-sized falcon, measuring about 14-19 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 38-43 inches. Peregrines have a robust body, long pointed wings, and a short tail. Their flight is incredibly swift and powerful, making them formidable hunters.
Peregrines have a distinctive appearance with dark heads, bluish-black backs and wings, and heavily barred underwings. Their chests and bellies are usually a combination of white and varying shades of gray or buff. Juvenile Peregrine Falcons have a more mottled appearance and lack the bold barrings found in adults.
Nesting Habits
Peregrine Falcons are cliff nesters, typically choosing high ledges on cliffs or buildings as nesting sites. They are well-adapted to nesting in these precarious locations, using their strong talons to grip onto the rocky ledges or structures. The female Peregrine Falcon lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for about a month.
Peregrine Falcons are known for their strong bond as a breeding pair, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. They will fiercely defend their territory and nest, engaging in aerial acrobatics to deter intruders. After hatching, the young peregrines remain in the nest for several weeks before fledging and learning to fly.
Hunting and Behavior
Peregrine Falcons are known for their incredible speed during hunting. They have been recorded diving at speeds of over 240 miles per hour, making them the fastest bird of prey. This hunting technique, known as a stoop, involves the falcon soaring to great heights and then descending rapidly to strike its prey in mid-air.
Peregrines primarily feed on medium-sized birds, such as pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and shorebirds. They have exceptional eyesight and can spot their prey from great distances. Once the prey is sighted, the Peregrine Falcon goes into a stoop, using its sharp talons to grasp and kill the bird with a powerful strike. After a successful hunt, the falcon will often consume its meal perched on a nearby vantage point.
Conservation Status
The Peregrine Falcon has had a tumultuous history with conservation concerns. Due to the detrimental effects of the pesticide DDT on their reproductive abilities, Peregrine Falcon populations plummeted in the mid-20th century, leading to their listing as an endangered species. However, extensive conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT, have resulted in a remarkable recovery.
Today, the Peregrine Falcon’s conservation status has greatly improved, with populations rebounding in many areas. These beautiful birds can now be found on every continent, except Antarctica. Conservation organizations continue to monitor and protect nesting sites to ensure their continued recovery and survival.
Gyrfalcon
Appearance
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species, measuring around 19-24 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 45-63 inches. Gyrfalcons have a stocky build with broad, pointed wings, and a relatively short tail. Their plumage can vary greatly depending on the subspecies and age of the falcon.
The adult Gyrfalcon is often pure white or white with gray or brown mottling. Some individuals have a dark gray or black back, while others exhibit a combination of white and dark coloring. Juvenile Gyrfalcons have a brownish mottled plumage, which gradually becomes lighter as they mature into adulthood.
Habitat and Range
Gyrfalcons inhabit Arctic and subarctic regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly adapted to cold climates and can be found in tundra, rocky outcrops, and mountainous areas. Gyrfalcons are known for their resilience in harsh environments, enduring freezing temperatures and strong winds.
The range of the Gyrfalcon is vast, spanning from the Arctic tundra to the boreal forests and alpine zones. They are often found near cliffs or high vantage points, utilizing these locations as perches to scan their surroundings for potential prey.
Diet and Hunting
Gyrfalcons primarily feed on ptarmigan, a type of arctic grouse, which forms their main source of prey. These agile birds have a variety of hunting techniques, including soaring flight, stooping, and hunting from a perch. Gyrfalcons use their exceptional eyesight to spot and target their prey, often striking in mid-air with a swift and deadly attack.
In addition to ptarmigan, Gyrfalcons may also target other birds, such as ducks, grouse, pigeons, and small mammals when available. They have impressive speed and power, using their strong talons to capture and kill their prey. After a successful hunt, Gyrfalcons will often consume their meal on the ground or on a nearby elevated perch.
Falcons in New Hampshire
Species Diversity
New Hampshire is home to four species of falcons: the American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and Gyrfalcon. This diversity of falcons within the state provides a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers to observe and appreciate these remarkable birds of prey.
Each falcon species has its own distinct characteristics and behaviors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of their lives and natural history. Whether soaring high in the sky or perched quietly on a branch, falcons in New Hampshire contribute to the richness of the state’s wildlife population.
Habitats
Falcons in New Hampshire occupy a range of habitats, reflecting their diverse natural preferences. American Kestrels, with their adaptability, can be found in open grasslands, meadows, agricultural areas, and even urban environments. Merlins, on the other hand, are often observed in more woodland and forested areas, although they can also be found in open spaces like fields and marshes.
Peregrine Falcons favor cliffs and tall structures for nesting, requiring suitable habitat with nearby prey sources. They can often be seen along the coastlines, where high cliffs provide ideal nesting sites. Gyrfalcons, with their affinity for cold Arctic environments, are less commonly observed in New Hampshire, primarily limited to the northernmost regions of the state.
Migration Patterns
Several falcon species in New Hampshire display migratory behaviors, making their presence transient during certain times of the year. The American Kestrel is partially migratory, with some individuals moving to warmer regions in the winter. Merlins are also migratory, with populations breeding in Canada and Alaska and migrating to the southern United States during the winter months.
Peregrine Falcons are long-distance migrators, with some individuals traveling thousands of miles to reach their breeding and wintering grounds. These falcons breed in the Arctic regions and then migrate south for the winter, often reaching New Hampshire during their journey. Gyrfalcons, with their strong ties to arctic environments, tend to have more localized movements and are less likely to migrate long distances.
Comparison to Other Birds of Prey
Hawks
While falcons and hawks are both birds of prey, they represent different families within the order Falconiformes. Hawks, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk, are generally larger and have broader, rounded wings compared to the slender, tapered wings of falcons. Hawks often rely on soaring flight and have powerful talons for capturing and subduing their prey.
Owls
Owls are another group of birds of prey that differ from falcons in various ways. Owls belong to the order Strigiformes and are characterized by their large, forward-facing eyes, specialized feathers for silent flight, and nocturnal behavior. Unlike falcons, which primarily hunt by day, owls are adapted to hunt more effectively in low-light conditions and have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, and insects.
Eagles
Eagles are larger birds of prey known for their impressive size and strength. While falcons like the Peregrine Falcon are known for their high-speed hunting abilities, eagles, such as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, typically rely on soaring flight and powerful talons to capture their prey. Eagles are often associated with aquatic habitats, feeding on fish and other water-dwelling creatures.
Vultures
Vultures, including the Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture, are scavengers rather than active predators like falcons. They play an important role in ecosystems by disposing of carrion, or dead animals. Vultures have specialized adaptations for scavenging, such as keen eyesight and a highly developed sense of smell, which allows them to locate carrion from great distances. While falcons actively hunt live prey, vultures rely on locating and consuming already deceased animals.
American Kestrel in New Hampshire
Appearance
The American Kestrel, as the smallest falcon species in North America, is easily identifiable by its distinctive appearance. Adult males have a dark gray head with a white face and two vertical slashes or “sideburns” on each side. Their back and wings are bluish-gray, while the tail is rusty red with a black band near the end. The male’s chest is pale with black spots, and the belly is yellow with black bars.
Female American Kestrels have a rufous coloring on their back and wings, with a rusty tail marked by thin black barring. Their face is also rufous in color, and they have a cream-colored to light brown chest and belly with thick black barring. Juvenile American Kestrels resemble adult females but may have a more mottled appearance.
Habitat
American Kestrels occupy a variety of habitats in New Hampshire, ranging from open grasslands and agricultural areas to urban parks and meadows. They are adaptable birds, able to thrive in diverse environments as long as suitable nesting and foraging opportunities are available. American Kestrels can often be spotted perched on utility wires, fence posts, or dead trees, which provide vantage points for scanning the ground for prey.
Nesting and Breeding
American Kestrels are cavity nesters and use tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting. In areas where natural cavities are limited, they readily adopt man-made nest boxes. These nest boxes are designed and placed strategically to provide suitable nesting sites for kestrels, helping to support their populations.
The female American Kestrel lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month. After hatching, the young kestrels remain in the nest for approximately 3-4 weeks, being fed and cared for by their parents. Once they are capable of flight, the fledglings leave the nest and begin to learn how to hunt and survive on their own.
Feeding Habits
American Kestrels have a diverse diet consisting of insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have incredible eyesight and rely on their keen vision to spot prey from a distance. Once prey is sighted, the kestrel hovers in mid-air using rapid wing flaps while scanning the ground for potential meals. When a suitable target is identified, the kestrel dives down, using its sharp beak to capture and kill the prey.
Insects, such as beetles and grasshoppers, are a significant portion of the kestrel’s diet, especially during the breeding season. They also feed on small mammals like mice and voles, as well as small birds and reptiles. American Kestrels are skillful hunters and agile flyers, allowing them to capture prey with precision and efficiency.