They’re powerful fliers, and some migrate all the way up into Alaska! They’re affectionately called “lady hawks” in the region, and in medieval times, they were the falcon of choice for noblewomen. Merlins are small and fierce falcons that have non-breeding populations within Utah, meaning it’s easiest to see these birds throughout the state during the winter. Their numbers drastically decreased thanks to pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century, but they’ve made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas. It primarily hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in that amazing stoop. Although for the majority of the United States they are just passing through during migrations. In North America they can be found from the southern tip of Florida to the northernmost parts of Alaska. This is one of the most widespread birds in the world, and found on all continents except Antarctica. Peregrine Falcons are a medium sized bird of prey found on all continents except for Antarctica. During its truly spectacular hunting stoop, it travels about a kilometer into the air before diving back down and reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour! They’re commonly trained for hunting due to their extreme speed and agility, reaching speeds up to 69 miles per hour in direct pursuit of prey – but that still isn’t their max speed. The Peregrine Falcon has both year-round and migratory populations within Utah, and is the most prized bird of the area. They’ve also been known to hide surplus kills in grass clumps, tree roots, bushes, fence posts, tree limbs, and cavities in order to hide it from potential thieves. Due to this, they’ve had to evolve to be extremely quick and agile in the air. It feeds primarily on birds, which it takes on the wing. Plunging from tremendous heights, the peregrine falcon can reach up to 180 mph in pursuit of prey. The males have gorgeous slate-blue heads and wings that contrast with the rusty-red back and tail, while the females have the same warm red on her wings, back, and tail.ĭespite their ferocity, they’re often prey for larger birds of prey such as Red-Tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks. Description This crow-sized falcon is admired for its incredible speeds which are seldom exceeded by any other bird. It’s the smallest of the falcons in Utah and is also one of the most colorful of all raptors. The American Kestrel is a very widespread bird and has year-round populations across the North American continent – including state-wide in Utah. So let’s take a look at the 3 different types of falcons you may come across in Utah. They are generally smaller and more compact than other birds of prey, but no less deadly when it comes to hunting. Their preferred method of hunting is catching prey by diving on it from above. Those species are the American Kestrel, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Merlin.įalcons are birds of prey that have long, pointed wings and a notched beak that are well equipped for speed. There are fewer types of falcons in general than hawks or owls, and only 3 species in the state of Utah. In this article we’ll be discussing North American falcons, more precisely the falcons in Utah. The peregrine falcon is the undisputed fastest member of the animal kingdom, capable of reaching speeds of almost 250 mph when swooping for its prey.
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