Falcon’s are incredibly smart, great hunters, and spectacular flyers. There are 3 different species of falcons found in the state of New York. Those species are the American Kestrel, the Merlin, and the Peregrine Falcon. Below we’ll give you an overview of each species including some specs for each bird, a picture or two, and a few facts about these falcons in New York.
3 species of falcons in New York
The 3 species of falcons in New York are the American Kestrel, Merlin, and the Peregrine Falcon.
1. American Kestrel
Scientific name: Falco sparverius
Length: 8.7-12.2 in
Weight: 2.8-5.8 oz
Wingspan: 20.1-24.0 in
The kestrel in North America’s smallest falcon, about the size of a dove. Males have uniquely colorful plumage for a raptor, with a gray-blue head and wing and rusty red back and tail, and bold black stripes on the face. Females have a similarly colored head but their bodies lack the gray-blue coloring.
They perch on wires, poles and branches in open territory, hunting insects and small mammals. Due to their small size, they can sometimes be preyed upon by larger hawks and owls. They can be found year round in New York.
2. Merlin
Scientific name: Falco columbarius