Ohio offers a rich tapestry of habitats, from the flat agricultural plains of the northwest to the rolling hills of the Appalachians in the southeast. For a birder, this diversity creates the perfect stage for observing some of nature’s most aerodynamic hunters.
If you have ever noticed a raptor with pointed wings slicing through the air or hovering effortlessly over a roadside field, you have likely encountered one of the types of falcons in Ohio.
While hawks rely on broad wings and thermals to soar, falcons are built for speed and agility. In Ohio, your experience with these birds will largely depend on the calendar. Some are permanent residents, breeding in our cities and farmlands, while others are fleeting winter visitors arriving from the boreal forests of Canada.
Understanding these seasonal rhythms is key to successful identification. By learning their specific field marks—from facial stripes to wing shape—you can confidently distinguish these aerial acrobats during your next outdoor excursion.
American Kestrel
The most colorful and widespread falcon you will encounter in the Buckeye State is the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius). Roughly the size of a Blue Jay, this small raptor is a year-round resident, though its numbers often swell in the winter as northern birds migrate south. You are most likely to spot them in open country, particularly along rural roads in agricultural areas like the farmland of western Ohio.
Kestrels have a distinctive hunting style that makes them easy to identify from a distance. Unlike other raptors that perch and wait, the Kestrel frequently hovers in mid-air, flapping its wings rapidly to stay fixed over a grassy patch before dropping onto unsuspecting prey like grasshoppers, mice, or voles.
Identification Breakdown:
- The Face: Look for two vertical black stripes on a white face—one behind the eye and one behind the beak.
- The Male: Sports slate-blue wings that contrast beautifully with a rusty-red back and tail.
- The Female: Is reddish-brown overall with black barring on her back and wings.
Pro Tip: American Kestrels are cavity nesters. Since natural hollows can be scarce, they readily accept nest boxes. Installing a Kestrel box on the edge of a large open field is a fantastic way to support their local population and observe their breeding behavior up close.
Merlin
As autumn leaves fall and temperatures drop, a darker, more aggressive hunter arrives in Ohio: the Merlin (Falco columbarius). These stocky, powerful falcons breed far to the north and come to Ohio primarily as winter residents or migrants passing through. They lack the bright colors of the Kestrel, appearing generally dark and streaky, often described by birders as looking “angry” or “brooding.”
Merlins do not hover. Instead, they hunt with blistering, direct speed, often flying low to the ground to surprise flocks of small birds. They are notoriously bold and have been known to harass much larger birds, including eagles and hawks, to drive them away from their territory. In Ohio, look for them in open woodlands, cemeteries with large pine trees, and sometimes even suburban neighborhoods where bird feeders attract their prey.
Kestrel vs. Merlin: Quick Comparison
| Feature | American Kestrel | Merlin |
| Seasonality | Year-round resident | Winter resident/Migrant |
| Flight Style | Buoyant, often hovers | Powerful, direct, continuous flapping |
| Typical Prey | Insects, small mammals | Small birds (caught in mid-air) |
| Structure | Delicate, small head | Broad-chested, blocky head |
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a conservation success story that has found a unique niche in Ohio. Once wiped out in the eastern United States due to pesticide use, reintroduction efforts have allowed them to bounce back. While historically cliff-nesters, Peregrines in Ohio have adapted remarkably well to urban environments. Tall skyscrapers in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo serve as artificial cliffs, while the abundance of pigeons provides a steady food source.
These birds are the fastest animals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph during a hunting dive known as a “stoop.” If you are birding in natural areas, look for them during migration along Lake Erie, particularly at hotspots like Magee Marsh, where they hunt shorebirds and ducks.
How to Spot a Peregrine:
- Look Up: In cities, check the ledges of the tallest buildings or bridges.
- Check the Head: Look for a dark “helmet” or “hood” that covers the head and cheeks, contrasting with a white throat.
- Watch the Flight: Their wingbeats are stiff and shallow, unlike the deep, flexible wingbeats of a gull or crow.
Key Insight: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) monitors Peregrine Falcon nests closely. Many nesting sites on urban bridges and buildings have webcams, allowing you to watch the chicks hatch and grow each spring without disturbing the birds.
Prairie Falcon (Rare)
The Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) is the wild card of Ohio falconry. Native to the arid grasslands and deserts of the American West, this species is considered a casual vagrant in Ohio. Sightings are rare and unpredictable, often occurring during migration or winter when an individual wanders far east of its normal range.
If you spot a large falcon that looks like a Peregrine but seems “washed out” or sandy-colored, take a closer look. Prairie Falcons are pale brown to blend in with desert cliffs. Their most diagnostic feature is visible only when they fly: a dark triangular patch of feathers in the “armpit” (axillaries) that stands out sharply against their pale underwings.
Where to Look for Vagrants:
- Reclaimed strip mines (like The Wilds in southeastern Ohio)
- Large airports with vast open grasslands
- Agricultural areas in western Ohio that mimic the Great Plains
Conclusion
Whether you are watching a resident Kestrel guard a farm field or scanning the Cleveland skyline for a nesting Peregrine, observing the types of falcons in Ohio connects you to the wilder side of the state. These birds represent a range of survival strategies, from the Kestrel’s insect-hunting agility to the Peregrine’s high-speed pursuits.
By recognizing the seasonal patterns—knowing that Merlins bring the winter chill and Kestrels herald the spring nesting season—you can enhance your birdwatching experience. Keep your binoculars ready and your eyes on the sky; you never know when one of these swift hunters will make a dashing appearance.
