Alberta supports a distinctive group of falcons across landscapes ranging from southern grasslands and badlands to parkland, boreal forest, Rocky Mountain valleys, wetlands, farmland, and major cities. The province’s regular species include the widespread American Kestrel and Merlin alongside the larger Peregrine and Prairie Falcons, while winter brings Arctic Gyrfalcons south into open country. Exceptional vagrants add further variety but remain highly unpredictable. This identification guide highlights Alberta’s falcons and provides practical clues for distinguishing them by appearance, flight, behavior, habitat, and seasonal occurrence.
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
- Identification: Small, slender falcon with long pointed wings, a relatively long tail, warm rufous upperparts, pale underparts, and bold black facial slashes; males have slate-blue wings; females are more heavily barred rufous above.
- Where found: Widespread across Alberta during summer in open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands, parkland, forest edges, agricultural areas, roadsides, and other human-modified landscapes.
- How to spot: Look for birds perched on wires, poles, fence posts, or isolated trees, hovering over open ground, and giving a rapid, repeated “killy” call.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Sensitive in Alberta; still common, but provincial monitoring has documented declines in relative abundance across several Natural Regions.
The American Kestrel is Alberta’s most common falcon and occurs across every Natural Region in the province. 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), making it North America’s smallest falcon. The species has long pointed wings, a relatively long tail, large dark eyes, and two bold black facial slashes. Adults have warm rufous upperparts and pale underparts; males have distinctive slate-blue wings, while females are more heavily barred with black across the rufous wings and tail.
American Kestrels are often detected perched conspicuously on utility wires, fence posts, poles, or isolated trees overlooking open ground. Birds hunt primarily from exposed perches but also hover into the wind over fields before dropping onto prey, and the rapid repeated “klee” or “killy” call can reveal their presence. The diet consists mainly of terrestrial arthropods such as grasshoppers and beetles, along with small mammals including voles and mice. Suitable hunting areas combine low, open vegetation with accessible perches and abundant prey.
The American Kestrel is widespread across Alberta and is typically present from April through October. It uses grasslands, pastures, parkland, agricultural areas, roadsides, forest edges, burned forests, and developed urban landscapes, and it is particularly abundant in the Grasslands Natural Region. The species is also common and broadly distributed through the Boreal Forest, Foothills, Parkland, and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions. It nests in natural or woodpecker-created tree cavities and therefore depends on suitable mature trees near open hunting habitat. Dinosaur Provincial Park and Police Point Park in Medicine Hat are among the documented sites for finding the species.
American Kestrels remain common and widely distributed in Alberta, and breeding distribution showed no detectable change between the two provincial atlas periods. However, relative abundance declined in the Boreal Forest, Foothills, Grasslands, Parkland, and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions, while broader monitoring also documented declines in Alberta and Canada. Loss of mature trees and associated nesting cavities may contribute to these decreases, while changes in agricultural practices, reduced insect availability, predation, disease, and climatic changes have also been identified as potential factors. The species is provincially classified as Sensitive, with declines noted particularly in the Parkland and Prairie ecozones.
Merlin
Falco columbarius
- Identification: Small, stocky falcon with sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, dark streaked underparts, a dark-banded tail, and a faint or absent malar stripe; males are slaty gray, females are browner.
- Where found: Occurs year-round across Alberta, breeding in forested and suburban habitats and occurring especially around well-treed urban neighborhoods.
- How to spot: Look for rapid, powerful wingbeats, fast pursuit flights after small birds, or birds perched in mature trees and conifers in towns and cities.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with no overall change in abundance detected despite some regional variation.
The Merlin is a widespread but uncommon falcon found in every Natural Region of Alberta, including well-treed neighborhoods in the province’s cities. 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, muscular appearance compared with the more slender American Kestrel. Adult males are slaty gray above, while females are browner, and both have heavily streaked underparts, a dark-banded tail, and a comparatively plain face with a faint or absent malar stripe.
Merlins are usually recognized by their fast, powerful flight and aggressive pursuit of prey. Birds use rapid, deep wingbeats and frequently launch from exposed perches to chase small to medium-sized birds in swift, direct flights, capturing most prey in the air. They also take insects such as dragonflies, particularly in late summer and during migration. The species is generally quiet away from nesting areas, where sharp, repeated “ki-ki-kee” calls may reveal its presence.
The Merlin occurs throughout Alberta and uses mixed and coniferous forests as well as suburban and urban habitats for breeding. Birds are particularly associated with older neighborhoods and rural residential areas where established spruce trees provide suitable nesting habitat, and many records in the Grassland and Parkland Natural Regions come from these settings. Merlins also occur in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region and less frequently in the Boreal Forest and Foothills. During migration they use open fields, grasslands, and lakeshores, while winter birds occur mainly in large cities. Well-treed neighborhoods in Calgary and Edmonton are particularly reliable places to encounter the species.
Merlin distribution showed no detectable change between the two provincial atlas periods, and broader monitoring found no overall change in abundance within Alberta. Regional patterns were more variable, with increased relative abundance detected in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region and indications of an increase in the Grassland, while a decline was detected in the Boreal Forest; the latter lacked a clear biological explanation and requires further study. Populations increased more broadly across Canada following recovery from earlier pesticide-related declines. The Merlin is provincially classified as Secure.
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.
- Where found: Occurs across Alberta during summer around river valleys, lakeshores, urban areas, alpine meadows, and other open habitats, with breeding concentrated near cliffs and tall structures.
- How to spot: Look for birds perched high on cliffs or tall buildings, or watch for powerful direct flight and steep, high-speed hunting stoops after birds.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered At Risk in Alberta, although recovery programs indicate an increasing provincial population.
The Peregrine Falcon is a rare to uncommon but recovering falcon found across all of Alberta’s Natural Regions. 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), with females substantially larger than males. The species has long pointed wings, a relatively long tail, and a streamlined profile adapted for high-speed flight. Adults have blue-gray to slate upperparts, pale barred underparts, and a dark head with a thick black malar stripe extending below the eye.
Peregrine Falcons are often detected by their powerful flight or from prominent elevated perches. Birds hunt primarily other birds in the air, using fast direct pursuits or steep hunting stoops from high altitude that can exceed 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour). Shorebirds, ducks, pigeons, and other medium-sized birds form much of the diet. Peregrines frequently scan for prey from cliffs, buildings, and other high vantage points, and birds near nesting sites may give harsh, repeated cack calls.
The Peregrine Falcon occurs across Alberta from April to October, but its breeding distribution is patchy because suitable cliff-like nesting sites are limited. Natural nests are typically located on cliff ledges, particularly along river valleys, while artificial nest platforms on tall buildings and other human-made structures have allowed the species to establish in major urban centers. Peregrines also use lakeshores, alpine meadows, river mouths, open fields, and other open areas, particularly during migration. Documented sites include buildings in Calgary and Edmonton as well as the Beaverhill Lake area.
Peregrine Falcons suffered severe declines from pesticide contamination before declining DDT levels and intensive recovery efforts allowed the Alberta population to begin recovering. Species-specific monitoring and recovery programs indicate that the provincial population is increasing, while no clear distributional change was detected between the two provincial atlas periods. An apparent decline in the Boreal Forest Natural Region may reflect differences in survey coverage rather than a genuine population decrease. Environmental contamination and disturbance at nest sites remain concerns, and protection of wetland habitats is also important for the species in Alberta.
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus
- Identification: Large, pale brown falcon with pointed wings, a medium-long tail, dark malar stripe, pale stripe above the eye, and a distinctive dark triangular patch on the inner underwing.
- Where found: Occurs in southern Alberta during summer, especially in grasslands, river valleys, and rocky areas with nesting cliffs, with birds also using open treeless habitats during migration.
- How to spot: Look for powerful, low-level flight over open country and the distinctive dark underwing “armpit” patch, or scan cliffs and exposed perches in areas with abundant ground squirrels.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Sensitive because Alberta’s relatively small population depends on secure nesting cliffs and adequate ground squirrel prey.
The Prairie Falcon is a characteristic falcon of southern Alberta’s open grasslands and rocky river valleys, where the province lies near the northern edge of its breeding range. 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). The species has a relatively large, squarish head, long pointed wings, and a medium-long tail. Adults are pale brown above and whitish to pale buff below, with a dark malar stripe and pale stripe above the eye. In flight, a dark triangular patch at the inner underwing contrasts strongly with the otherwise pale underwing.
Prairie Falcons are often detected in fast, low-level flight across open terrain. Birds use direct, powerful wingbeats and frequently follow the contours of the ground to surprise prey, although they also hunt from exposed perches such as fence posts, utility poles, and rocky outcrops. Ground squirrels form an important part of the diet, and Richardson’s Ground Squirrels are particularly significant prey in Alberta. The species also takes birds and other small vertebrates. Near nesting cliffs, pairs may reveal their presence with loud, shrill, repeated cacking calls.
The Prairie Falcon occurs mainly in southern Alberta from March through October. It is most common in the Grassland and Rocky Mountain Natural Regions and uncommon in the Parkland, with breeding birds using cliffs along river canyons and valleys. Alberta breeding birds favor native range habitat, and core-use areas contain less irrigated cropland than expected from its availability. During migration, Prairie Falcons also occur across open, treeless landscapes such as alpine meadows, fields, grasslands, and sagebrush flats. Dinosaur Provincial Park, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and Sheep River Wildlife Sanctuary are among the documented sites for finding the species.
Prairie Falcons remain uncommon in Alberta, but their provincial breeding distribution showed no detectable change between the two atlas periods. Relative abundance increased in the Grassland Natural Region, possibly reflecting population recovery following the ban on DDT, while no changes were detected in the Parkland or Rocky Mountain Natural Regions. Broader Canadian assessments describe the species as uncommon but apparently doing well, although the small population requires periodic monitoring because its status could change rapidly. Secure nesting cliffs and sufficient ground squirrel populations remain particularly important to the species in Alberta.
Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
- Identification: Very large, powerful falcon with broad-based pointed wings, a relatively long tail, and variable plumage from white to gray to dark brown, with gray birds most often seen in Alberta.
- Where found: Occurs in Alberta during winter, using open and semi-open areas such as fields, marshes, and open wetlands where prey concentrates.
- How to spot: Look for a bulky falcon hunting low over open country or watching from an elevated perch, often pursuing birds in fast, sustained flight rather than steep stoops.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, where it occurs as a rare but regular annual winter visitor.
The Gyrfalcon is the world’s largest falcon and a rare but regular winter visitor to Alberta. 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), with females substantially larger than males. The species has a large head, deep chest, broad-based pointed wings, and a relatively long tail, creating a powerful, heavy-bodied appearance. Plumage ranges from white through gray to dark brown, but gray birds are the color form most commonly encountered in Alberta.
Gyrfalcons are formidable aerial hunters that rely heavily on speed and sustained pursuit. Unlike Peregrine Falcons, they rarely depend on steep, closed-wing stoops from above and instead often outfly prey in extended chases, sometimes attacking from below. Birds locate prey from elevated perches, by coursing low over the ground, or by soaring, and they strike birds in mid-air before carrying or following them to the ground. In Alberta, the diet consists mainly of birds, particularly waterfowl and Rock Pigeons, and concentrations of these prey can attract wintering Gyrfalcons.
The Gyrfalcon occurs in Alberta as a rare but regular annual winter visitor, typically from November through March. Birds use open and semi-open landscapes, including fields, marshes, and open wetlands where prey is concentrated, and they may gather around open water and grain-handling areas that attract large numbers of birds. Documented sites include the Calder railway yards and Alberta Grain Terminal in Edmonton, the Alberta Grain Terminal in Calgary, and the south side of Wabamun Lake. The species does not breed in Alberta and returns north to its Arctic breeding range after winter.
Gyrfalcons remain rare in Alberta, but their regular annual occurrence makes the province part of the species’ established winter range. North American populations show no evidence of long-term decline and are considered stable overall, although their remote Arctic breeding range makes population monitoring difficult. Climate-driven changes to tundra ecosystems and prey populations represent a broader concern for the species, while disturbance at breeding sites can have localized effects farther north.
Crested Caracara
Caracara plancus
- Identification: Medium-sized, long-legged raptor with a dark cap, pale neck and cheeks, orange facial skin, a long tail, and conspicuous white patches in the wings and tail.
- Where found: Occurs accidentally in Alberta, with a handful of documented records from widely separated parts of the province, including Jasper National Park, Fort McMurray, and central Alberta.
- How to spot: Look for a distinctive long-legged raptor perched conspicuously or walking on the ground, with broad wings, a long tail, and bold white wing patches visible in flight.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered an accidental vagrant in Alberta, where only a handful of individuals have been reliably documented.
The Crested Caracara is an exceptional Alberta rarity and a milestone sighting for birders fortunate enough to encounter one of the province’s occasional vagrants. This distinctive member of the falcon family 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). It has long legs, broad wings, and a long tail that extends beyond the wingtips when perched. Adults are boldly patterned with a black cap, whitish neck and cheeks, and bright orange facial skin, while large white patches in the wings and tail become particularly conspicuous in flight.
Crested Caracaras behave very differently from the more typical falcons found in Alberta. They frequently walk on the ground while searching for food and fly relatively low with broad, flat wings and steady, shallow wingbeats. The species has an opportunistic diet that includes insects, small vertebrates, eggs, and carrion, and birds commonly scavenge at carcasses within their normal range. Alberta’s first documented individual was even reported feeding on the remains of a grizzly bear kill in Jasper National Park. The combination of long legs, terrestrial behavior, bold plumage, and conspicuous white flight markings makes the species highly distinctive when seen well.
The Crested Caracara is an accidental vagrant to Alberta rather than a regular component of the province’s avifauna. Alberta’s first accepted record came from Jasper National Park in mid-July 2015, when a bird remained in the area for about a week. Subsequent documented occurrences include Fort McMurray in late July 2017 and records from central Alberta in June 2025, including Drayton Valley, Edmonton, and later the Athabasca area. These widely separated observations provide no predictable location, habitat, or season for finding the species in Alberta, although the documented records have all occurred during the warmer months.
Crested Caracaras remain extraordinarily rare in Alberta, and the few records represent long-distance wanderers far beyond the species’ normal distribution. The 2015 Jasper individual established the first accepted provincial record and demonstrated the species’ capacity for remarkable northward movements. Later observations show that the Jasper occurrence was not entirely unique, but the small number and scattered nature of Alberta records provide no evidence of a regular provincial population or predictable pattern of occurrence. The species is therefore best regarded as an exceptional prize for fortunate observers rather than a falcon that Alberta birders can specifically expect to find.
Where and When to See Falcons in Alberta
Alberta’s falcons are most varied from spring through fall, when American Kestrels, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, and Prairie Falcons are all present. American Kestrels are widespread in open country across the province, while Merlins occur in forested areas and well-treed neighborhoods, including Calgary and Edmonton. Peregrine Falcons are more localized around river valleys, wetlands, cliffs, and major cities, while Prairie Falcons are concentrated mainly in southern Alberta’s grasslands and river valleys.
Southern destinations such as Dinosaur Provincial Park and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park offer particularly good opportunities for Prairie Falcons, while Beaverhill Lake and urban sites in Calgary and Edmonton can produce Peregrines and Merlins. Winter brings a different highlight: rare but regular Gyrfalcons appear from about November through March, especially around open water, grain-handling areas, and other places where waterfowl and pigeons concentrate. Wabamun Lake and the Edmonton and Calgary areas have produced reliable records, although finding this impressive Arctic visitor still requires patience and good fortune.
For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of falcons, and explore the Birds of Alberta and Birds of Canada pages for additional regional and national bird guides.
