In Alberta, a Canadian province known for its diverse wildlife, six out of the eleven types of Falcons found in North America have been identified. Among them are the Merlin, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, and Gyrfalcon. These small but mighty birds of prey, known for their incredible speed and agility, possess thin, tapered wings that allow them to fly at remarkable speeds. With the Peregrine Falcon holding the title of the fastest bird of prey and the American Kestrel being the smallest, their unique features and hunting abilities make them a fascinating group of creatures. Falcons in Alberta are equipped with a special tomial ‘tooth’ on their beaks that aids in capturing and dispatching their prey. While falconry, the practice of hunting with trained birds, is an ancient tradition, other birds of prey such as hawks, owls, eagles, and vultures also call Alberta home. During migration, Alberta sees an increase in the sightings of Falcons, particularly the Merlin and the Peregrine Falcon. Furthermore, the Gyrfalcon, known for its wintering habits, can also be found in Alberta during the colder months. Additionally, the Crested Caracara, though rare or accidental in occurrence, has also been spotted in this region.
Merlin
Description
The Merlin is one of the common types of falcons found in Alberta. It is a small and agile bird of prey, with a length ranging from 9 to 13 inches and a wingspan of about 22 to 26 inches. The male and female Merlins have distinct appearances, with the male having a slate-gray back, dark streaks on its white underparts, and a dark stripe on its face, known as a “moustache.” The female, on the other hand, has a brown back with dark streaks and a buff-colored underparts with heavy streaking. Overall, the Merlin has a compact and robust build, with short wings and a long tail.
Habitat
Merlins can be found in various habitats across Alberta, including open woodlands, grasslands, and tundra. During the breeding season, they prefer open coniferous forests or mixed forests with open areas nearby, as these provide suitable nesting sites and an abundance of prey. Outside of the breeding season, they can be found in more diverse habitats, including urban areas and agricultural landscapes.
Migration and Behavior
Merlins are known for their long-distance migration, traveling from their breeding grounds in northern Alberta to their wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and even Central America. They undertake this journey twice a year, during spring and fall. Migration for Merlins typically occurs from April to mid-May and from mid-July to October.
During migration, Merlins can often be seen flying in loose flocks or even in mixed flocks with other species of birds. They use thermal updrafts and favorable winds to aid their long flights. Merlins are highly skilled hunters, capable of capturing their prey while in flight. They primarily feed on small birds, such as sparrows and warblers, as well as insects and occasionally small mammals.
American Kestrel
Description
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon found in Alberta, measuring about 8 to 12 inches in length with a wingspan of around 20 to 24 inches. It has a compact and stocky build, with a square-shaped tail and pointed wings. The male American Kestrel has a reddish-brown back with black markings and a rusty-colored tail, while the female has a brown back with black streaks and bars. Both sexes have a white face with black markings, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Habitat
American Kestrels can be found in a wide range of habitats throughout Alberta, including open grasslands, farmlands, meadows, and even urban areas. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
Migration and Behavior
American Kestrels are known for their partial migration patterns, with some individuals staying in Alberta year-round while others migrate to the southern United States or Mexico during the winter months. Their migration period typically occurs from April to mid-October.
These falcons are highly agile hunters, utilizing their exceptional speed and maneuverability to catch their prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as insects and small birds. American Kestrels are also known for their unique hunting behavior, called “hovering,” where they hover in mid-air while scanning the ground for potential prey.
Prairie Falcon
Description
The Prairie Falcon is a medium-sized falcon found in Alberta, measuring around 14 to 19 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 36 to 44 inches. It has a sleek and streamlined body, with long wings and a long tail. The coloration of the Prairie Falcon varies based on age and geographical location. Juvenile Prairie Falcons have a brown back with dark streaks and a cream-colored underparts with dark streaking, while adults have a pale grayish-brown back and a pale underparts with variable streaking.
Habitat
Prairie Falcons can be found in a variety of habitats across Alberta, including grasslands, shrublands, and rocky cliffs. They prefer open areas with scattered trees or cliffs, which provide suitable nesting sites and a vantage point for hunting.
Migration and Behavior
Prairie Falcons are highly migratory birds, with some individuals traveling long distances during the breeding and wintering seasons. They are known to migrate through Alberta during spring and fall, as they move between their breeding grounds in northern Canada and their wintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico.
In terms of behavior, Prairie Falcons are solitary and territorial birds. They have impressive hunting skills, using their speed and agility to pursue their prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, such as ground squirrels and mice, but also consume birds and large insects. Prairie Falcons are known for their distinctive hunting strategy, which involves flying low to the ground and surprising their prey with a sudden burst of speed.
Peregrine Falcon
Description
The Peregrine Falcon is a large and powerful falcon found in Alberta, with a length ranging from 14 to 20 inches and a wingspan of about 36 to 44 inches. It has a sleek and streamlined body, with long and pointed wings and a relatively short tail. The Peregrine Falcon exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the females being larger and heavier than the males. The plumage of adult Peregrines varies based on geographical location, with some having a dark gray and black back, while others have a bluish-gray back. The underparts are typically white with thin brown bars.
Habitat
Peregrine Falcons can be found in various habitats across Alberta, including cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sometimes even urban areas with tall buildings that mimic their preferred nesting sites. They require high perches and open spaces for hunting, as they rely on their exceptional speed and aerial acrobatics to catch their prey.
Migration and Behavior
Peregrine Falcons are known for their long-distance migration, traveling from their breeding grounds in the Arctic regions of Canada to their wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and even Central and South America. They undertake this journey twice a year, during spring and fall. Peregrine Falcons can be seen in Alberta during migration, usually from April to mid-May.
These falcons are renowned for being the fastest birds of prey, reaching speeds of over 240 miles per hour during their hunting dives, known as “stoops.” They primarily feed on medium-sized birds, such as pigeons and ducks, but also prey on bats and occasionally small mammals. Peregrine Falcons have a unique hunting technique, where they use their tomial ‘tooth’ on their beaks to deliver a powerful blow to their prey, breaking their necks instantly.
Gyrfalcon
Description
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon found in Alberta, measuring around 19 to 23 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 45 to 62 inches. It has a robust and bulky build, with broad wings and a long tail. The coloration of the Gyrfalcon can vary drastically based on age and geographical location. Adult Gyrfalcons can range from a pure white or nearly white plumage, known as the “white morph,” to a dark gray or blackish-brown plumage, known as the “dark morph.” Juvenile Gyrfalcons have a brown back with dark streaks and a white or cream-colored underparts with dark streaking.
Habitat
Gyrfalcons can be found in various habitats throughout Alberta, including tundra, Arctic regions, and coastal cliffs. During the breeding season, they prefer nesting on cliffs or in trees near open areas, such as lakes or rivers. Outside of the breeding season, they may wander into more diverse habitats, depending on the availability of prey.
Migration and Behavior
Gyrfalcons are known for their extensive migration patterns, covering vast distances during their annual journeys. In Alberta, they can be seen during the winter months, as they migrate from their breeding grounds in Arctic regions to more southerly areas in search of food. Gyrfalcons are opportunistic hunters, primarily feeding on medium-sized birds, such as ptarmigans and waterfowl, but also consuming small mammals when necessary. They use their exceptional speed and strength to capture their prey, often pursuing them in swift aerial pursuits.
Crested Caracara
Description
The Crested Caracara is a unique and rare falcon that is occasionally spotted in Alberta. It has a distinctive appearance, with a large and strong build, measuring about 19 to 23 inches in length and having a wingspan of approximately 46 to 50 inches. The Crested Caracara has a black body with contrasting white or pale underparts, a feathered crest on its head, and a bare face with a colorful cere. Adult individuals have a bright yellow-orange cere, while juvenile individuals have a pale pink cere.
Habitat
The Crested Caracara prefers open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas, where it can find suitable nesting sites and an abundance of prey. In Alberta, this falcon is considered a rare or accidental visitor, as its native range is primarily in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Migration and Behavior
The Crested Caracara is a non-migratory bird in its native range, but occasional sightings have been reported in Alberta. These individuals are believed to be stray birds that have wandered off course during migration. Crested Caracaras are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, reptiles, birds, and even carrion. They are known for their scavenging behavior, often seen feeding on roadkill or at garbage dumps.
Falconry
History and Background
Falconry, also known as hawking, is the practice of hunting with captive-trained birds of prey, such as falcons. It is an ancient hunting method that dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by various cultures around the world. Falconry has a rich history, with evidence of its existence in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and medieval Europe. It was a popular sport among royalty and nobility, often associated with status and prestige.
Techniques
Falconry involves the training and handling of falcons for hunting purposes. The falconers, or individuals practicing falconry, develop a close bond with their birds, raising them from a young age and teaching them to hunt specific prey. The training process includes familiarizing the falcons with their surroundings, developing trust through positive reinforcement, and introducing them to hunting techniques.
During a hunting session, the falconer releases the falcon to pursue its prey. The falcon uses its speed and agility to chase down the target, often reaching incredible speeds during the stoop. Once the prey is captured, the falconer rewards the falcon with a portion of the catch or with a food reward.
Impact on Falcon Populations
Falconry has had both positive and negative impacts on falcon populations throughout history. In ancient times, falconry contributed to the conservation and preservation of falcon populations, as falconers would carefully manage and breed their birds to ensure a sustainable supply. However, during the Middle Ages, the demand for falcons led to overexploitation and illegal trapping, resulting in declining populations of some species.
In modern times, falconry has become more regulated and controlled. Many countries have strict licensing and permit requirements to ensure the ethical and sustainable practice of falconry. Falconry is now recognized as an important cultural tradition and a tool for conservation, as falconers contribute to research, captive breeding, and the release of birds into the wild.
Other Birds of Prey in Alberta
Hawks
In addition to falcons, Alberta is home to a variety of hawk species. Hawks are larger birds of prey, known for their broad wings and soaring flight. Some common hawk species found in Alberta include the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. These hawks can be seen soaring high in the sky or perched on trees, hunting rodents, birds, and other small animals.
Owls
Alberta is also home to several species of owls, which are nocturnal birds of prey characterized by their round heads, large eyes, and silent flight. Some of the owl species found in Alberta include the Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Barred Owl. Owls are efficient hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects.
Eagles
Eagles are majestic birds of prey that can be found in Alberta. The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle are the most common eagle species in the province. These large and powerful birds are known for their soaring flight and their preference for fish as their primary food source. Eagles can often be seen perched along rivers and lakes, scanning the waters for potential prey.
Vultures
Though less common, vultures can also be found in Alberta. The Turkey Vulture is the most widespread vulture species in the province. Vultures have a unique feeding habit, primarily feeding on carrion or dead animals. They play an important ecological role in cleaning up the environment by consuming carcasses that would otherwise decompose and cause potential health hazards.
Factors Affecting Falcon Populations in Alberta
Habitat Loss
One of the significant factors affecting falcon populations in Alberta is habitat loss. As human activities continue to expand, natural habitats are being destroyed or degraded, resulting in the loss of suitable nesting sites and prey availability for falcons. The conversion of forests into agricultural lands, urbanization, and industrial development all contribute to habitat fragmentation and degradation, making it challenging for falcons to survive and reproduce.
Pesticides and Pollution
Pesticides and pollution pose threats to falcon populations in Alberta. The use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to the contamination of the food chain, affecting the availability and quality of prey for falcons. In particular, the accumulation of toxic chemicals, such as organochlorine pesticides, in the bodies of falcons can result in reproductive failure and weakened immune systems. Additionally, pollution from industrial activities, such as mining and manufacturing, can impact air and water quality, further compromising the health and survival of falcons.
Climate Change
Climate change is another significant factor affecting falcon populations in Alberta. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt ecosystem dynamics and the availability of food resources for falcons. Climate change also affects the timing of migration and breeding patterns, potentially causing mismatches with the availability of prey and suitable nesting sites. These changes in ecological conditions can have cascading effects on falcon populations, leading to declines in their numbers.
Conservation Efforts for Falcons in Alberta
Monitoring and Research
Conservation efforts for falcons in Alberta involve monitoring and research initiatives to gather data on population trends, distribution, and ecological requirements. Scientists and conservation organizations collaborate to conduct surveys, banding programs, and satellite tracking studies to better understand the movements and behaviors of falcons. This information is crucial for developing effective management strategies and conservation measures.
Habitat Protection
Preserving and protecting suitable habitats is essential for maintaining healthy falcon populations in Alberta. Conservation organizations work with landowners, governments, and communities to identify and designate areas of high conservation value, such as cliffs, grasslands, and wetlands, as protected areas or wildlife reserves. These protected areas provide safe nesting sites and vital foraging grounds for falcons, ensuring their survival and long-term stability.
Education and Awareness
Raising public awareness about the importance of falcons and their conservation is a key aspect of conservation efforts in Alberta. Educational programs, workshops, and outreach events are conducted to inform and engage the public in understanding the ecological role of falcons and the challenges they face. By promoting responsible behavior, such as avoiding the use of pesticides and supporting habitat conservation, individuals can contribute to the protection and recovery of falcon populations.
In conclusion, falcons are fascinating birds of prey that play an important ecological role in Alberta’s ecosystems. The Merlin, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Gyrfalcon, and Crested Caracara are some of the falcon species found in the province, each with unique characteristics and habitat requirements. While falcon populations face various challenges, such as habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, conservation efforts focused on monitoring, habitat protection, and education are crucial for their continued survival. By working together to protect these magnificent birds, we can ensure a vibrant and healthy future for falcons in Alberta.