4 Falcons Found in Michigan: How to Identify Them and Where They Live

Falcons are birds of prey that inhabit every continent except Antarctica. There are about 40 species, and they can be distinguished by their thin, tapered wings, long flight feathers, and hooked bills featuring a tomial tooth. Unlike hawks and eagles, who use their feet to attack prey, falcons use their special tooth on the side of their beaks. These birds are also known for their exceptional eyesight and immense speed, with some breaking records as the fastest on Earth.

With their skilled hunting techniques, agility, and swiftness, falcons are some of the most sought-after birds for enthusiasts. Thankfully, Michigan is home to many birds of prey, including falcons. Check out these four falcons found in Michigan and learn how to identify them and where they live.

1. Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon is one of the most exceptional birds on Earth. While it is fairly common and features a wide-spreading range, this species is always a joy to witness. The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world, reaching over 200 miles per hour when diving for prey. During its high-speed dives, this falcon has exceeded 240 mph.

Peregrine falcons are relatively large and have a wingspan of about 41 inches. You may mistake them for merlins due to their similar feather pattern, but peregrine falcons have distinctive dark hoods and sideburns that extend past their eyes. This falcon has bluish-gray wings and back, a white throat, and a white to buff breast with gray barring. Some other identifying features include its bright yellow feet, eye rings, and bill. Males and females appear similar, but females are slightly larger.

While the peregrine falcon’s population is secure on a global scale, these birds are listed as endangered in the state of Michigan. These birds are highly sought after and illegally killed. They also face dangers from pesticides in the food chain.

These birds live throughout the state in breeding pairs and have adapted to urban areas, building their nests in buildings, bridges, and other human constructs. Even though they are migratory, peregrine falcons will sometimes overwinter in Michigan if they have enough food to last.

2. American Kestrel

Also known as the sparrow hawk, the American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. It is also one of the most common birds of prey you will find on the continent. This bird is well adapted to many environments, with some even ranging into South America. American kestrels are the smallest raptors in the United States, weighing about the same as a blue jay or a dove.

Males and females differ in appearance, with males featuring bluish-gray wings with black spots and white underneath with black barring. Their backs and tails are rufous-colored. Females, however, have buff undersides with brown streaking and rufous backs and wings with dark brown barring. In both males and females, the head is white and features a bluish-gray cap. They also have two distinctive black lines that run vertically down the sides of their face.

American kestrels are native to Michigan, where you can find them across much of the state, especially the central region. These birds inhabit many landscapes, including orchards, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

3. Gyrfalcon

On the other end of the falcon spectrum, the gyrfalcon is the largest of the species, and it breeds on Arctic coasts and Northern North American islands. These falcons have different color morphs depending on their locations, ranging from snow white to dark brown, with each having heavy dark barring.

Gyrfalcons are not common in Michigan. However, you can occasionally spot them during the winter, particularly in the Upper Peninsula city of Sault Ste. Marie. These wintering Michigan birds feed on waterfowl, passerines, grouse, and smaller birds of prey.

4. Merlin

This small falcon species is native to the Northern Hemisphere in North America and Eurasia, where it is well regarded as a falconry bird. While smaller than other falcons, the merlin is more robust and heavily built. Male merlins have bluish-gray backs with heavy streaking in black or reddish brown. Its undersides are also heavily streaked but have a base of orange or buff. Females are more drab, with brownish-gray to dark brown upper plumage and whitish undersides with brown spots. These falcons do not have distinguishable face markings like other species.

These medium-sized falcons live throughout much of the state and have varying habitats. When nesting in Michigan, they prefer spruce forests near open water or bogs. These birds are most common in the state during migration. Merlins are one of four falcons found in Michigan.

A Summary of the 4 Falcons Found in Michigan

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com