Ontario supports a small but diverse group of falcons, with six members of the family documented across the province. These include three regular breeding species and one consistent winter visitor, along with two exceptional vagrants recorded far outside their normal range. This guide outlines their identification, habitat use, Ontario-specific distribution, and seasonal occurrence across the province.
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
- Identification: Small, slender falcon with long pointed wings and a relatively long square-tipped tail; males show slate-blue wings and a rufous back; females are mostly rufous above with heavy black barring; both sexes have bold black facial slashes.
- Where found: Widespread breeder across most of southern and central Ontario in open country, agricultural landscapes, and increasingly urban areas; less common north of the boreal forest and only marginal in the Hudson Bay Lowlands.
- How to spot: Look for birds perched on roadside wires and poles or hovering into the wind above fields, often giving a rapid, repeated “killy” call.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); declining in Ontario, particularly in southern regions, in line with long-term Canadian decreases.
The American Kestrel is the most widespread and frequently observed falcon in Ontario and is also the province’s smallest diurnal raptor. It measures 22 to 31 centimeters (8.7 to 12.2 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 51 to 61 centimeters (20.1 to 24.0 inches). The species has long, pointed wings, a relatively long tail, large dark eyes, and a compact hooked beak. Plumage is strongly dimorphic: males show slate-blue wings, a rufous back and tail with a single dark band near the tip, and pale underparts with light spotting, while females are predominantly rufous above with heavy black barring on the wings and tail. Both sexes display two bold vertical black facial marks on an otherwise pale face.
In the field, American Kestrels are most often detected perched conspicuously on utility wires, fence posts, poles, or isolated trees overlooking open ground. They hunt primarily by scanning from exposed perches and dropping onto prey, though they also hover into the wind with wings held steady and tail spread, making small adjustments while keeping the head fixed on the ground below. In flight they appear light and buoyant compared to larger falcons, with pointed wings and a relatively long tail. Their diet in Ontario consists mainly of large insects and small mammals, taken in open habitats with short or sparse vegetation. The rapid, repeated “killy” call frequently announces their presence, especially near nest sites or favored hunting areas.
In Ontario, the American Kestrel breeds across most of the province south of the treeline, with southern Ontario forming the core of the population. It is especially common south of the 45th parallel, with notable concentrations around Toronto, London, Kingston, and Peterborough, as well as in agricultural areas of Haldimand and Elgin Counties. The species also occurs on the Northern Shield, with regular records around Rainy River, Dryden, and from Cochrane to Kapuskasing, and along Highway 11 between North Bay and Lake Nipigon. It is generally uncommon to rare on the Southern Shield except in more open and developed areas such as around Sudbury. The species is only marginal in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, where breeding is rare. Northern populations are migratory, but a fair number overwinter in southern Ontario. Typical breeding habitats include grasslands, agricultural fields, forest edges, clearings, burns, extensive clearcuts, and increasingly urban green spaces and industrial parks where nesting cavities are available.
Although still widespread, the American Kestrel has declined significantly in Ontario over recent decades. Breeding Bird Survey data indicate sustained long-term decreases, with the provincial population well below early 1970s levels. Atlas comparisons show notable declines in the Carolinian, Lake Simcoe-Rideau, and Southern Shield regions, while trends in the Northern Shield have remained more stable. Loss of open grassland habitat, intensification of agriculture, reduction of natural nesting cavities, and broader prey declines are considered important contributing factors. Nest box programs have supported local breeding pairs in some areas, but continued conservation attention is required to stabilize and recover Ontario’s population.
Merlin
Falco columbarius
- Identification: Small, stocky falcon with sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, dark streaked underparts, and a dark-banded tail; males are slaty gray above; females are browner; both sexes lack a bold malar stripe.
- Where found: Breeds widely across Ontario’s boreal and mixed forest regions and increasingly in towns and cities, with some birds wintering in southern Ontario.
- How to spot: Look for rapid, powerful wingbeats and low, fast pursuit flights over open areas or shorelines, or scan treetops and urban conifers where birds perch while watching for small birds.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations have increased dramatically in Ontario since the late twentieth century and are now stable at higher levels.
The Merlin is one of Ontario’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding falcons and is the only falcon in the province that regularly favors forest and forest-edge habitats for breeding. It measures 24 to 32 centimeters (9.4 to 12.6 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 53 to 73 centimeters (20.9 to 28.7 inches). The species has sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, and a medium-length tail, giving it a compact and muscular appearance that contrasts with the more slender American Kestrel. Plumage is distinctly dimorphic: males are slaty gray above with heavily streaked underparts, while females are browner overall with similar streaking below. Both sexes show a comparatively plain face without a bold black malar stripe.
In the field, the Merlin is recognized by its speed and aggression. It flies with rapid, deep wingbeats that are quicker than those of larger falcons and often travels in straight, low flights that skim above treetops, fields, or shorelines. Individuals frequently launch surprise attacks from exposed perches, capturing most prey in mid-air. The diet consists primarily of small to medium-sized birds, though insects such as dragonflies may be taken, especially in late summer. Adults are often vocal around nest sites, giving sharp, repeated “ki-ki-kee” calls, and their territorial behavior and conspicuous prey exchanges during the breeding season can reveal nesting locations.
In Ontario, the Merlin breeds across most of the province south of the treeline and is widely distributed through boreal and mixed forest regions. It occurs from the Hudson Bay Lowlands south through the Northern and Southern Shield and into southern Ontario, with regular records around Thunder Bay, Kenora, Hearst, Manitoulin Island, and along the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay. The species nests primarily in coniferous trees, using abandoned stick nests of crows or other raptors, typically in forests adjacent to open hunting areas such as wetlands, lakes, burns, grasslands, and forest clearings. In many parts of the province it favors islands and peninsulas, where it hunts passerines crossing open water. It is also well established in urban environments, including Ottawa and other southern Ontario cities. Most Ontario birds migrate south for winter, but some individuals remain in southern Ontario during milder seasons.
After mid-20th-century declines linked to pesticide contamination, the Merlin has undergone a substantial recovery in Ontario. The species was once considered uncommon or rare in parts of the province, but long-term monitoring programs now show a large and sustained increase since the 1970s. Population growth has been particularly strong in central and southern Ontario, where urban colonization has contributed to higher local densities. The provincial population is currently considered stable at elevated levels, supported by abundant prey, expanding use of urban habitats, and the continued availability of stick nests in both natural and developed landscapes.
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
- Identification: Medium to large, long-winged falcon with blue-gray upperparts, barred underparts, and a dark head marked by a thick black malar stripe; sexes are similar in plumage but females are noticeably larger.
- Where found: Breeds along major shorelines, large rivers, and cliff systems across Ontario and is well established in larger urban centres of southern Ontario.
- How to spot: Look for birds perched on cliffs, bridges, or skyscrapers, and for fast, direct flight or steep hunting dives over flocks of shorebirds, ducks, or city pigeons.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); listed as Special Concern in Ontario, reflecting its historical decline and ongoing monitoring despite strong recovery.
The Peregrine Falcon is a large falcon now regularly seen across Ontario, from the cliffs of the Great Lakes to skyscrapers in major urban centers. It measures 36 to 58 centimeters (14.2 to 22.8 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 79 to 114 centimeters (31.1 to 44.9 inches). Females are substantially larger than males, though both sexes share similar plumage. Adults show blue-gray to slate upperparts, whitish to buff underparts marked with dark horizontal barring, and a strongly contrasting black malar stripe on an otherwise pale face. The long, pointed wings and streamlined profile reflect its adaptation for high-speed flight.
In the field, the Peregrine Falcon is most often detected by its flight. It travels with steady, powerful wingbeats and direct, purposeful movement, and during hunting may perform steep, high-speed dives toward prey. It hunts primarily birds, capturing them in mid-air after rapid pursuits or vertical stoops. In Ontario, shorebirds and waterfowl are important prey along the Great Lakes and large rivers, while in cities the species frequently targets pigeons and other medium-sized birds. Peregrines typically perch on elevated vantage points such as cliff ledges, bridges, towers, and tall buildings before launching attacks. They are usually quiet away from nest sites but give harsh, repeated “cack” calls during territorial displays or when defending young.
In Ontario, the Peregrine Falcon breeds along major cliff systems and large water bodies, with strong concentrations along the shorelines of Lakes Superior and Huron and nearly continuous distribution along the Great Lakes corridor from western Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River. Cliff-nesting birds are especially associated with the rugged Lake Superior shoreline and other extensive rock faces in northern Ontario. A distinct urban population occurs in larger southern Ontario cities, including the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Hamilton, and other centres where tall buildings and bridges provide nesting sites. The species also breeds along the Ottawa River and other major river systems. Northern populations migrate south for winter, while some birds in southern Ontario remain near large water bodies and urban areas year-round.
The Peregrine Falcon declined severely in Ontario during the mid-20th century due to DDT and related contaminants, and breeding was extirpated in parts of the province by the early 1960s. Following the ban on organochlorine pesticides and intensive captive-breeding and release programs beginning in the 1970s, the species re-established and expanded across Ontario. The current population is sustained by natural reproduction and immigration rather than continued releases. Monitoring programs document a dramatic increase in occupied territories since the 1980s, and the species is now firmly re-established in both cliff and urban environments. Although populations are stable and increasing, it remains listed as Special Concern in Ontario, reflecting the need for continued habitat protection and environmental oversight.
Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
- Identification: Very large, powerful falcon with broad-based pointed wings and a relatively long tail; plumage ranges from pale gray to dark brown, often heavily barred or streaked, and lacks the bold facial pattern of a Peregrine Falcon.
- Where found: Regular but uncommon winter visitor to Ontario, primarily in open northern and agricultural landscapes, especially north of the 40th parallel.
- How to spot: Look for a bulky falcon flying low over open fields, shorelines, or tundra-like terrain, or perched on the ground, fence posts, or utility structures in exposed areas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); Canadian populations show gradual long-term declines, and wintering birds in Ontario remain uncommon.
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon likely to be encountered in Ontario and appears only outside the breeding season as a winter visitor from the Arctic. It measures 48 to 64 centimeters (18.9 to 25.2 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 105 to 135 centimeters (41.3 to 53.1 inches). The species has a large head, deep chest, broad-based wings that appear less sharply pointed than those of smaller falcons, and a relatively long tail, creating a thick-bodied and powerful impression in flight. Plumage is highly variable, ranging from pale gray to dark brown; most birds observed in Ontario are gray to dark morph individuals with barred or streaked underparts.
In winter, Gyrfalcons hunt low over open terrain, flying with steady, purposeful wingbeats and short glides while scanning for prey. They frequently quarter agricultural fields, shorelines, and open tundra-like habitats, sometimes using ground contours to approach prey. Most prey consists of medium-sized birds, including waterfowl and other open-country species, and pursuits often involve extended tail chases close to the ground. Individuals may perch on fence posts, rocks, buildings, or directly on the ground while scanning. The species is generally silent in Ontario, as vocalizations are primarily associated with breeding territories in the Arctic. Unlike the Peregrine, the Gyrfalcon lacks a sharply defined dark helmet and bold malar stripe, and its bulkier build helps distinguish it in the field.
In Ontario, the Gyrfalcon occurs as a regular but uncommon winter visitor, with most records from northern and central parts of the province. It is most frequently observed in open habitats such as agricultural fields, river corridors, coastal areas of Hudson and James bays, and along the shores of the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Winter records are concentrated north of the 40th parallel, though occasional individuals reach southern Ontario in some years. Occurrence varies annually, with most birds appearing between October and March and rarely lingering into late spring. The species favors expansive, open landscapes that resemble its Arctic breeding habitat.
The Canadian population of Gyrfalcon is not intensively monitored because of its remote breeding range, but winter survey data indicate a gradual long-term decline since the 1970s. Although numbers fluctuate from year to year, the overall continental trend suggests moderate decreases. Climate change poses a potential long-term threat through alteration of Arctic ecosystems and prey availability. In Ontario, the species remains an uncommon winter raptor, and its presence depends largely on movements from northern breeding areas rather than local population dynamics.
Crested Caracara
Caracara plancus
- Identification: Medium-sized, long-legged raptor with a black cap, white neck and cheeks, bright orange facial skin, yellow-orange legs, a long tail, and bold white patches in the wings and tail visible in flight.
- Where found: Rare extralimital visitor to Ontario, recorded in open northern and southern landscapes well outside its normal range.
- How to spot: Look for a tall raptor walking deliberately on the ground or flying low with flat wings and steady wingbeats, often near roads, fields, or landfills.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); globally stable, and occurrences in Ontario represent rare vagrancy far outside the species’ typical range.
The Crested Caracara is a distinctive member of the falcon family and one of the most extraordinary raptors ever documented in Ontario. It measures 49 to 64 centimeters (19.3 to 25.2 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 120 to 130 centimeters (47.2 to 51.2 inches). Unlike typical falcons, it has long legs, relatively flat feet, and only slightly curved claws suited to terrestrial habits. When perched, the long tail extends beyond the wingtips. Adults are sharply patterned in black and white, with a black cap, pale neck and cheeks, and bright orange bare facial skin contrasting with a bluish beak and yellow-orange legs.
In the field, the Crested Caracara behaves unlike most falcons. It often walks deliberately on the ground while scanning for food and frequently forages at carrion sites, including roadkill and landfills. In flight, the wings are broad and held flat, with conspicuous white patches at the base of the outer primaries and a white rump and tail marked by a dark terminal band. Flight is steady and shallow, with regular wingbeats and little soaring, giving a crowlike but heavier impression. The diet is highly opportunistic and includes carrion, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. Individuals recorded in Ontario have been observed feeding at dumps and open clearings, where crows and other scavengers may reveal their presence.
In Ontario, the Crested Caracara occurs only as a rare extralimital visitor. Documented records have come from both southern and northern parts of the province. In recent years, individuals have been photographed in September and October around Foleyet in the Sudbury District, as well as in April in Essex and Chatham-Kent Counties. A well-documented individual was present in late November and December near Wawa in Algoma District. Earlier provincial records include scattered observations in Thunder Bay District, Pelee Island, and Fort Albany. Occurrence is irregular and unpredictable, and all records represent vagrants far beyond the species’ established breeding range in the southern United States and Latin America.
Globally, the Crested Caracara is widespread and stable across much of Central and South America and parts of the southern United States. Increasing reports of extralimital individuals across eastern and western North America suggest occasional long-distance dispersal. In Ontario, however, the species remains a rare and exceptional visitor, and each occurrence attracts significant attention from birders due to its striking appearance and extreme displacement from its normal range.
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus
- Identification: Large, pale brown falcon with pointed wings, a medium-long tail, a dark malar stripe, a pale stripe above the eye, and a distinctive dark triangular patch on the inner underwing visible in flight.
- Where found: Very rare vagrant in Ontario, recorded sporadically in open agricultural and northern landscapes well east of its western breeding range.
- How to spot: Look for a pale, powerful falcon flying low over open country with stiff wingbeats and note the dark underwing “armpit” patch from below.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); stable across its western range, and records in Ontario represent exceptional eastward vagrancy.
The Prairie Falcon is a large falcon of western North America’s open country and occurs in Ontario only as an exceptional vagrant, often considered a milestone species for experienced birders in the province. It measures 37 to 47 centimeters (14.6 to 18.5 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 90 to 113 centimeters (35.4 to 44.5 inches). It is similar in size to the Peregrine Falcon but generally appears paler and slightly longer-winged in proportion. The species has a relatively large, squarish head, long pointed wings that fall short of the tail tip when perched, and a medium-long tail. Adults show brown upperparts and pale underparts marked with dark barring or spotting, with a dark malar stripe and a pale brow above the eye.
In the field, Prairie Falcons are typically detected in motion over open terrain. They hunt at low altitude with direct, swift flight and shallow, mechanical wingbeats, often following ground contours to surprise prey. Although capable of high stoops, they frequently rely on fast, low approaches. The species feeds primarily on small mammals and open-country birds across its normal range. The most distinctive field mark is the dark triangular patch formed by the axillars and inner underwing coverts, which contrasts strongly with the otherwise pale underwing and helps separate it from Peregrine Falcons when seen over open agricultural or lightly forested landscapes in Ontario.
In Ontario, the Prairie Falcon occurs only as a very rare vagrant. Recent records have come from Durham Region and Middlesex County in southern Ontario, with additional observations in Timiskaming District and older records from Cochrane District in the north. All occurrences have involved open habitats such as farmland, grasslands, or cleared areas that resemble portions of the species’ western range. Records are sporadic and unpredictable, and the species remains less frequently documented in Ontario than some other extralimital falcons.
Across Canada, the Prairie Falcon breeds primarily in the dry grasslands of southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and south-central British Columbia and is considered stable within its western range. Monitoring programs indicate little long-term change in the national population. Ontario records represent rare eastward dispersal events rather than range expansion, and the species remains an exceptional and highly sought-after bird when detected in the province.
Where and When to See Falcons in Ontario
Falcons can be observed somewhere in Ontario during every season, but species and locations vary through the year. From spring through summer, American Kestrels and Merlins are most often encountered in open farmland, forest edges, and increasingly in towns and cities, while Peregrine Falcons breed on major cliff systems and tall urban structures. Reliable areas include the Lake Superior shoreline, the Niagara Escarpment, the Ottawa River corridor, and urban centres such as the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and Ottawa, where Peregrines nest on skyscrapers and bridges. Open agricultural regions south of the 45th parallel offer regular views of kestrels and hunting Merlins.
In fall and winter, diversity increases. Merlins remain in many southern areas, Peregrines continue to patrol Great Lakes shorelines and city skylines, and Gyrfalcons appear as regular but uncommon winter visitors in northern and open landscapes, especially along Lake Superior and in agricultural districts of central and northern Ontario. Rare vagrants such as Crested Caracara and Prairie Falcon have been documented in places including Essex, Chatham-Kent, Durham Region, Middlesex County, Timiskaming District, and along parts of the northeastern Lake Superior region. Open habitats with clear sightlines – shorelines, landfills, grasslands, and large agricultural fields, offer the best chances of encountering these powerful aerial predators.
For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of falcons, and explore the Birds of Ontario and Birds of Canada pages for additional regional and national bird guides.
