![]() Peregrine Falcons are also the fastest animal on the planet. It’s actually a global species, found on all continents except Antarctica. The Peregrine Falcon is easily the most iconic species in the falcon family. Large falcon, twice the size of a kestrel.They may be seen hunting open spaces like an American Kestrel, but will also patrol open woodlands in search of food. Prey is abundant near coastal marshes and shorelines, which attract predators in higher than average abundance.įavorite food items include sparrows, swallows, shorebirds, and almost any other bird smaller than the Merlin.Īway from the coast, Merlins are uncommon but regular. ![]() These small but fierce predators are most easily found along the coast during the cooler months of the year. Hunting other birds is a common behavior of the falcon family, and certainly isn’t unique to Merlins. Merlins prey mostly on smaller birds like swallows, sparrows, and small shorebirds like Least Sandpipers. They differ in appearance by the Merlin’s more plain facial features, and more bold streaking on the breast and stomach. Merlins are the other small falcon in Texas, just barely larger than a kestrel. Summertime Kestrels can be found north of Dallas, in the Lubbock area and entire panhandle, and higher elevations in west Texas like the Davis Mountains. Anywhere with open fields can potentially host a kestrel or two.Īlthough the bulk of the population migrates north for the summer, northern parts of the state will see moderate numbers year-round. It’s often seen perched on power lines and poles as it scans open grasslands for small rodents and insects to dive on.įrom late fall through early spring, American Kestrels are a common sight along suburban outskirts and in more rural areas. The American Kestrel is Texas’ smallest, most common, and most colorful falcon. Blue and red feathers visible on males Photo by Andy Morffew.Falcons are classified in the family Falconidae, while hawks are in the family Accipitradae. Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but are not closely related. Hawks have more broad wings, and are proportionally more bulky, usually built for power rather than speed. What’s the Difference between a Hawk and a Falcon?įalcons are different from hawks in their smaller size, slim build, and narrow pointed wings built for speed and agility. November through March is the best time to see them, especially along the coast. Winter is when falcon diversity peaks in Texas, as migrant falcons move south where prey is more abundant. Of those, 6 are regularly found in the state, while 2 species were one-hit wonders – with only a single individual ever documented. The best place to look for the peregrine falcons is near coastal towns with rocky beaches.Texas officially has 8 documented species of falcon. The peregrine falcon isn’t just fast it’s the fastest bird on the planet! Its aerodynamic body and razor-sharp claws make it an apex predator like no other. The spur winged goose found in the wetlands of Africa can fly up to 88 mph (141 km/h), making it the fastest goose in the world! Final Thoughts Anna’s hummingbird can fly up to 60 mph (98 km/h). The endangered saker falcon, which is found in the grasslands of Africa and Eurasia, can reach speeds up to speeds of 200 mph when diving in for a kill.īirds of prey are not the only ones that can reach top speeds while in the air. The golden eagle can reach diving speeds of 149–200 mph (240–320 km/h), thus making it a close contender to the peregrine falcon in terms of speed. While the peregrine falcon usually takes the top spot for the fastest bird, there are a few other birds that can reach incredible speeds.
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