How to Notice Falcons
Where to Find Them
Falcons favor open spaces where speed matters. Look for them over fields, deserts, shorelines, agricultural valleys, and along highways with utility poles or fences. American Kestrels often perch conspicuously, while Merlins and Peregrine Falcons are more frequently seen in flight, especially near concentrations of smaller birds.
What to Watch For
Falcons fly differently than hawks. Their wings are long, narrow, and pointed—built for speed rather than soaring. Watch for rapid wingbeats, sudden direction changes, and purposeful flight. Kestrels may hover briefly while hunting, while Peregrines and Merlins strike with explosive bursts of speed.
Listen Closely
Falcons are often silent hunters, but you may hear sharp, chattering calls near nesting areas or during interactions with other birds. More often, their presence is revealed by sound indirectly—through alarm calls or frantic flocks of small birds scattering ahead of an incoming falcon.
Explore Further
- Peregrine Falcon Guide (All About Birds)
- Peregrine Falcon Dive (National Geographic)
- How To Become A Falconer (Falconry Told)
Falcons
Falcons stand apart from hawks in both form and function. While many hawks rely on soaring, broad wings, and ambush tactics, falcons are built for speed. Their stiff feathers, pointed wings, and compact bodies allow them to accelerate quickly and maneuver with precision in open air.
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 240 miles per hour during its signature hunting dive, known as a stoop. By climbing high and folding its wings tight, the falcon converts gravity into speed, striking prey with incredible force and accuracy.
Falcons have shared a long history with humans through falconry, an ancient practice that trains these birds to hunt in partnership with people. This relationship highlights their intelligence, responsiveness, and athletic ability—traits that are still evident when you watch a falcon hunt on its own.
