The 7 Types of Falcons That Call Virginia Home

Falcons are birds of prey that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. There are approximately 60 species of them in the world when including caracaras and falconets. Virginia has several resident populations of falcons, while there are also several species that visit the state only during the winter months. So, keep reading to discover the falcons in Virginia, including how to identify them and when and where you’re most likely to see them!

1. Taiga Merlin

The first bird on the list is a subspecies of merlin — the taiga merlin. Taiga merlins are approximately 11 to 13 inches long and have a wingspan of 23 to 26 inches. They have a fairly dark appearance, with dark gray backs and a buff-colored underside. For a long time it was assumed that Taiga merlins did not nest in Virginia, as their main nesting locations are in Alaska and Canada. However, recent evidence suggests that their range is gradually expanding south. As a result, there are now nesting Taiga merlins in the southwestern region of the state. They are migratory birds, though, so some may also overwinter in the state, while others will continue further south.

2. Prairie Merlin

Another merlin subspecies is the prairie merlin. Prairie merlins are a similar size to taiga merlins but are lighter-colored, with males having blueish-gray backs and females being lighter gray. However, they both also have whiteish-colored undersides with reddish-brown markings. Prairie merlins are not common in Virginia but may sometimes migrate as far as the state during the winter months when traveling from their northern nesting sites in Alaska and Canada. However, when in the state they typically prefer open habitats and can be seen hunting for smaller birds.

3. Gyrfalcon

Next is the gyrfalcon, which is the largest falcon in the world at around two feet tall and with a wingspan of approximately four feet. The color of gyrfalcons varies, and they can be white, gray, brown, or black. However, their most distinguishable feature is their noticeably pointed wings. Due to their large size, gyrfalcons are powerful predators and prey on a wide range of animals, including other birds and small to medium-sized mammals.

Gyrfalcons are not common in Virginia and are usually only spotted in the state during the winter. This is because gyrfalcons typically inhabit the harsh Arctic tundra but migrate south during the winter. Compared to the lengthy migrations of some birds, gyrfalcons don’t migrate particularly far. As a result, they are usually only found in the northernmost region of Virginia. During the breeding season in the Arctic, gyrfalcons often nest on high clifftops, usually in nests that have been abandoned by other species, such as eagles. When they head south for the winter, gyrfalcons prefer open areas, such as fields and prairies.

4. American Kestrel

One of the resident falcons in Virginia is the American kestrel, which is also one of the most common. Following on from the largest bird on the list, American kestrels are actually the smallest, at only eight to 12 inches long and with a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches. However, it should be noted that they exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. Males and females also have noticeably different appearances. Although both have a pale underside, males typically have a reddish-brown body with dark bars on their lower half, as well as a blue-colored head and wings. In contrast, females have reddish-colored wings and bodies with dark bars.

American kestrels are the most common and widespread falcon in Virginia and live in a variety of habitats across the state, although they are typically most active during the breeding season between March and August.

5. Crested Caracara

The next bird is the crested caracara, which is another falcon that’s quite rare in Virginia. However, there have been several sightings of them, particularly around Virginia Beach. They’re also usually most active during the breeding season, which is between January and March. Crested caracaras tend to prefer open habitats but will nest in one of the tallest trees in the area or on clifftops. Crested caracaras are approximately 20 to 25 inches long and have a wingspan of between 47 and 52 inches. They have long legs with dark brown bodies and whiteish areas on the throat. However, they also have whiteish areas with dark brown barred markings on their chest, back, neck, and upper tail areas.

6. Prairie Falcon

Another relatively rare falcon in Virginia is the prairie falcon. Sightings of these birds in the state were initially considered to be accidental, the first occurrence being in 2017. However, several more sightings of them in the Shenandoah National Park area suggest that there may now be a small but stable population of them in the area. Prairie falcons live in open habitats, such as prairies and grasslands, but typically nest on ledges or cliffs in nests abandoned by other birds. They are medium-sized birds and are around 16 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 40 inches. Prairie falcons are brown on their upper sides and lighter brown on their underside. However, they also have a light-colored tail as well as a white line near their eye, and a dark “mustache” marking on either side of their beak.

7. Peregrine Falcon

The final falcon in the state is the peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, capable of reaching up to 200 miles per hour when in a dive. Peregrine falcons can be seen all year round in the state, with resident populations along the coast and in the mountains. However, peregrine falcons migrating into the state from further north can typically be seen between September and November. Peregrine falcons are 16 to 20 inches long and have a wingspan of 43 to 46 inches. They have dark, greyish-colored backs and blueish-black tails with barred markings. Their underside is lighter with dark bars, while their head is black.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com