Falcons are some of the most fascinating and skilled hunters in Missouri’s skies. These agile raptors are known for their incredible speed and precision, making them a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across the state. Missouri is home to a few different species of falcons, each with its own unique characteristics and habits.
The most common species seen in Missouri include the Peregrine Falcon and the American Kestrel. These birds are often spotted soaring above open fields, rivers, and even in urban areas, adapting well to different environments.
The presence of falcons in Missouri plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. As top predators, they help control populations of smaller birds and rodents, contributing to the health of their habitats. Despite their importance, some falcon species have faced challenges due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Conservation efforts in recent years have helped their populations recover, making their resurgence a positive story for Missouri’s wildlife.
In this article, I’ll explore the different types of falcons that can be found in Missouri, their behaviors, habitats, and the conservation efforts that have helped protect them.
1. Peregrine Falcon
- Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
- Life span: 8-15 years
- Size: 14-19 inches (36-48 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-3.3 pounds (500-1500 grams)
- Wingspan: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migration pattern: Migrates; leaves Missouri in fall
The Peregrine Falcon is known for its speed and agility, making it one of the most formidable birds of prey. It has a wide geographical range, found on nearly every continent, from the tundra regions of North America to the deserts of the Middle East, and even in urban areas around the world. In North America, it breeds in coastal regions, mountain ranges, and, increasingly, in cityscapes where tall buildings mimic natural cliffs.
The Peregrine Falcon is distinguished by its sleek, blue-gray back, barred underparts, and a distinctive dark “moustache” mark across its white face, giving it a fierce look. Its wings are long and pointed, designed for fast, powerful flight, while its tail is narrow and tapered. This falcon’s striking appearance and impressive aerial capabilities make it a favourite among birdwatchers and conservationists alike, especially as it has rebounded from near-extinction due to past pesticide use.

Peregrine Falcons are known for their affinity for high nesting sites, making their homes on cliffs, tall buildings, and even bridges in urban environments. They create simple nest scrapes, a shallow depression in gravel or dirt, which serve as their nesting sites. These falcons fiercely defend their territories, often returning to the same nest site year after year.
During the breeding season, the male performs dramatic aerial displays, diving and swooping to impress the female. Once paired, the female usually lays between two to four eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of protecting the nest, with the male often hunting while the female incubates the eggs. After hatching, the young, called eyases, stay in the nest for about six weeks before they fledge, learning to fly under the watchful eyes of their parents.
The diet of the Peregrine Falcon is primarily composed of other birds, which it catches in flight using its remarkable speed and precision. Known for their breathtaking stoops, or high-speed dives, Peregrines can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour, making them the fastest animals on Earth. They target pigeons, doves, and other medium-sized birds, striking them mid-air with a powerful blow from their talons. This method of hunting allows them to take down prey even larger than themselves.
In urban areas, pigeons are a common food source, while in more natural settings, they may hunt shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Peregrine Falcons often consume their catch on a high perch, plucking feathers before devouring the meal. They have adapted to various environments and prey availability, which contributes to their survival and resurgence.
The history of the Peregrine Falcon in North America is a story of both decline and remarkable recovery. In the mid-20th century, populations plummeted due to the widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that weakened their eggshells, causing nesting failures. By the 1970s, Peregrine Falcons had nearly disappeared from much of the United States. However, intense conservation efforts, including a ban on DDT, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction projects, helped bring these falcons back from the brink. Biologists and volunteers carefully bred and released young falcons into suitable habitats, helping re-establish populations in both natural and urban areas.
Today, Peregrine Falcons have made a strong comeback and are often seen nesting on skyscrapers and bridges, where they benefit from abundant prey and high perches. Although they are still monitored to ensure stable populations, their recovery is often cited as one of the great success stories of wildlife conservation, illustrating the positive impact of targeted protection measures.
2. American Kestrel
- Scientific name: Falco sparverius
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
- Weight: 2.8-5.8 ounces (80-164 grams)
- Wingspan: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Resident; doesn’t leave Missouri
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon and one of its most colourful. It is widespread across the continent, from Canada down to the southern reaches of South America, occupying open fields, woodlands, and even suburban areas. In Missouri, it is a familiar sight, perched on fence posts and power lines along rural roads. The American Kestrel is easily identified by its rusty-red back and tail, contrasting with blue-gray wings in males, while females display a more uniform reddish-brown pattern.
Both sexes have a pale, cream-colored belly with dark spots and a pair of bold, vertical black streaks on each side of their white face, giving them a masked appearance. Their slender wings and long tail aid in their nimble flight, allowing them to hover briefly as they survey their surroundings. This mix of vibrant colors and dynamic behaviour makes the American Kestrel a delightful bird to observe.

American Kestrels are cavity nesters, often choosing abandoned woodpecker holes, natural cavities, or nest boxes provided by humans for their nests. They are highly adaptable when it comes to nesting sites, using anything from a hollow tree to a crevice in a building. During the breeding season, the male takes the lead in finding a suitable location and presents it to the female by calling and displaying nearby.
Once the female selects a nest site, she lays a clutch of four to five eggs, which she incubates for about a month. During this time, the male takes on the role of provider, bringing food to his mate. After the eggs hatch, both parents work tirelessly to feed the young, bringing in a steady supply of small prey. The young kestrels leave the nest about 30 days after hatching, but they continue to be fed by their parents as they learn the skills needed for survival.
The American Kestrel has a varied diet, which makes it a versatile hunter across its range. It primarily feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds. During the summer months, insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles form a significant part of its diet, especially in open fields where these prey are abundant. The kestrel’s ability to hover in the air helps it spot and capture these small prey items from above. When insects are less available, particularly in colder months, American Kestrels switch to small mammals such as voles and mice, which they catch with quick, agile swoops to the ground.
They also occasionally hunt small birds, especially during migration when they encounter a variety of potential prey. American Kestrels often use elevated perches like telephone wires or fence posts to spot prey, diving swiftly when an opportunity arises.
The American Kestrel, while still relatively common, has faced population declines in some parts of its range, including Missouri. Habitat loss, changes in agricultural practices, and competition for nesting sites with invasive species like European Starlings have all contributed to the challenges they face. Conservation groups have made efforts to support kestrel populations by installing nest boxes, which provide the cavity sites that are crucial for their breeding.
These nest box programs have been especially successful in areas where natural cavities are scarce, offering a safe place for kestrels to raise their young. Monitoring programs also help track population trends, providing valuable data on where conservation efforts are most needed. Additionally, educating the public about the importance of kestrels and the role they play in controlling pest populations has helped build support for their conservation.
While the American Kestrel is not yet endangered, ongoing efforts are essential to ensure that these colourful and charismatic falcons continue to thrive in Missouri’s skies.
3. Merlin
- Scientific name: Falco columbarius
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
- Weight: 5-7 ounces (140-198 grams)
- Wingspan: 20-26 inches (51-66 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migration pattern: Migrates; passes through Missouri in spring and fall
The Merlin is a compact and powerful falcon known for its energetic and rapid flight. Its range extends across the northern hemisphere, with breeding populations concentrated in Canada, Alaska, and parts of northern Europe, while it winters in more temperate areas, including the southern United States and Central America. In Missouri, it is seen primarily during migration and in the winter months.
The Merlin’s appearance is understated but distinctive, with a slate-gray or brown back depending on its sex, and pale, streaked underparts. Its tail is long and banded with dark and light stripes, providing a striking contrast when in flight. The Merlin’s head is rounded, and unlike many other falcons, it lacks the pronounced facial markings, making its look a bit more subdued.
Despite its small size, it has a sturdy build, with broad, pointed wings that give it a swift and direct flight pattern. Observing a Merlin in action is always a treat, as it moves with a sense of purpose and power.

Merlins have a unique nesting strategy compared to other falcons; they don’t build their own nests. Instead, they often reuse the old nests of other birds, particularly crows, ravens, and hawks. These nests, located in coniferous trees or on cliff ledges, provide a ready-made home for Merlins during the breeding season. In their breeding range, which spans across the northern forests of North America and into parts of Eurasia, they seek out areas with abundant prey nearby.
The female lays three to six eggs and takes on the primary role of incubating them while the male supplies food. Once the eggs hatch, both parents work together to provide for the chicks, bringing back small birds and mammals to the nest. The young Merlins grow quickly and begin to fledge after about a month, but they remain dependent on their parents for several weeks as they develop their hunting skills.
The diet of a Merlin is primarily composed of small birds, making it a skilled and agile hunter. Unlike larger falcons that might rely on dives from great heights, Merlins use speed and stealth, chasing their prey through the air in swift pursuits. They are known for their dynamic flight style, often using surprise and rapid bursts of speed to catch songbirds, shorebirds, and other small avian species.
In some areas, they will also hunt small mammals, particularly during the winter months when birds are less available. Merlins have even been observed hunting in groups, where a pair might work together to flush and capture birds. During migration and winter in Missouri, they adapt their diet to the available prey, sometimes catching insects as well.
Merlins have experienced both declines and recoveries throughout their history in North America. In the mid-20th century, they faced challenges from habitat loss and the effects of pesticides, similar to many raptor species. However, they did not experience the same level of endangerment as their larger relative, the Peregrine Falcon. As regulations on harmful chemicals like DDT took effect, Merlin populations began to stabilize.
In recent decades, they have adapted well to urban environments, sometimes nesting in city parks and green spaces, where they find plenty of prey. Conservation efforts for Merlins have focused on preserving their natural habitats and monitoring their populations during migration. In Missouri, sightings are often recorded during fall and spring, when migrating Merlins pass through.
While they remain less common than some other falcons, their adaptability to different environments has helped them maintain a stable population, showcasing their resilience in a changing world.
4. Prairie Falcon
- Scientific name: Falco mexicanus
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Size: 14-18 inches (35-45 cm)
- Weight: 1-2 pounds (450-900 grams)
- Wingspan: 35-43 inches (89-110 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory pattern: Winter visitor; leaves Missouri in early spring
The Prairie Falcon is a bird of open landscapes, well-adapted to the expansive grasslands and desert regions of western North America. Its range stretches from the Canadian prairies down through the western United States and into parts of northern Mexico. It is more commonly seen in the western states but occasionally appears in Missouri during the winter months or migration periods.
The Prairie Falcon has a sandy-brown back and pale, lightly streaked underparts, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its arid surroundings. Its wings are long and pointed, typical of falcons, with dark patches on the “armpits” that are visible during flight, helping to distinguish it from similar species. The face is marked with a subtle moustache stripe, less pronounced than that of the Peregrine Falcon, giving it a softer expression.
The Prairie Falcon’s graceful yet powerful flight over open fields is a beautiful sight, perfectly suited to the wide, open spaces it calls home.

Prairie Falcons are true birds of the open landscapes, choosing remote cliffs and rocky outcrops for their nesting sites. Unlike some falcons that may adapt to city life, Prairie Falcons remain closely tied to their natural habitats. During the breeding season, they select nesting sites with good visibility over their hunting grounds, which allows them to spot potential threats and prey.
The female typically lays between three and five eggs in a simple scrape on a ledge or within a shallow cave on a cliff face. Both parents are involved in protecting the nest, with the male often hunting while the female incubates the eggs. After about a month, the eggs hatch, and the chicks are carefully tended to by both parents. They grow quickly and leave the nest around 40 days after hatching. Prairie Falcons are known for their territorial behaviour during nesting, often chasing away other raptors and potential intruders that come too close to their chosen site.
The diet of the Prairie Falcon is diverse, yet heavily focused on small mammals and birds that inhabit the open landscapes of their range. They often prey on ground squirrels, which are abundant in the grasslands and deserts where these falcons live. The Prairie Falcon hunts by flying low over the ground, using surprise and speed to capture prey. They also catch small birds, especially during the winter when mammal prey might be less accessible.
Unlike Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons are not known for high-speed dives, but they are skilled in direct pursuit and can outmanoeuvre prey in the open air. Their diet can vary seasonally, reflecting changes in prey availability. For example, during the breeding season, they might focus more on providing a steady supply of ground-dwelling prey for their young.
Prairie Falcons have not faced the same drastic population declines as some other raptor species, but their status still requires attention. Habitat loss due to agricultural development and changes in grassland management have impacted their breeding grounds. Conservation efforts for this species have largely focused on preserving and managing their natural habitats, including maintaining the open landscapes they depend on for nesting and hunting. In some regions, efforts to reduce human disturbances near known nesting sites have helped ensure successful breeding seasons.
Research and monitoring programs have also been important in understanding their migration patterns and population trends. In Missouri, Prairie Falcons are considered rare, primarily seen during the winter months when some individuals move eastward in search of food. While their populations are generally stable, ongoing habitat conservation is essential for ensuring that these birds continue to find the wide-open spaces they need to thrive.
Where to look for Falcons in Missouri
Finding falcons in Missouri can be a thrilling experience, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a curious beginner. These raptors often soar high above open landscapes, rivers, and even cityscapes, making a sighting a rewarding challenge. To increase your chances of spotting them, bring a good pair of binoculars, a field guide, and a lot of patience. Early mornings are the best time to catch falcons hunting or perching on tall structures.
One of the top spots to see falcons in Missouri is Tower Grove Park in St. Louis. Peregrine Falcons have made a comeback here, especially near tall buildings and bridges. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, also near St. Louis, offers open skies and riverbanks, perfect for spotting American Kestrels. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Missouri is another great location, where you might see falcons hunting over the wetlands. Lastly, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia provides a mix of habitats, from forests to open fields, creating opportunities to catch a glimpse of these swift hunters
With a bit of time and the right location, you might just get lucky and witness a falcon’s breathtaking dive or catch one perched, scanning the landscape for its next meal.
Conclusion
Falcons in Missouri represent both resilience and adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from open prairies to urban areas. Their presence enriches the state’s natural landscape, offering opportunities for conservation and connection with nature. Observing these skilled predators in the wild is a reminder of the importance of preserving Missouri’s rich biodiversity.