Yes, there are several species of falcons that can be found in Western Washington. The most common falcons in the region are the American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, and Gyrfalcon.
Western Washington provides excellent habitat for falcons due to its diversity of environments, including urban areas, coastlines, forests, mountains, and wetlands. The abundant prey base of small birds and rodents allows falcons to thrive. While some falcon species have suffered population declines in the past due to pesticide use and habitat loss, conservation efforts have helped restore many of these bird populations.
Falcon Species in Western Washington
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. In Western Washington, American Kestrels can be found year-round and are a permanent resident species.
These colorful raptors have rusty red backs and tails, two black vertical stripes on their faces, and speckled breasts ranging from pale yellow to bright red-orange. The males are more vibrantly colored than the females.
American Kestrels inhabit open areas interspersed with trees and forest edges, such as meadows, grasslands, farms, and both rural and urban neighborhoods. They nest in tree cavities or man-made nest boxes.
These birds feed primarily on large insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They hunt by hovering and diving down quickly to catch prey.
Merlin
The Merlin is a small, compact falcon species found across North America. In Western Washington, Merlins are winter residents that breed further north in Canada and Alaska.
During the winter months, Merlins take up residence in open habitats like grasslands, meadows, wetlands, and agricultural areas. They sometimes even hunt songbirds at backyard bird feeders!
These fast-flying predators feast on small birds up to the size of starlings and robins. They use maneuverability and speed to pursue prey in mid-air.
Male Merlins have slate-gray upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks. Females and immature birds are brownish above and creamy below with heavy streaking. Both sexes have a distinctive vertical white band on their tails.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most spectacular birds of prey in Washington. This large falcon breeds in small numbers across the state and throughout Western Washington.
Peregrines prefer tall cliff ledges overlooking rivers, lakes, and coastal areas for nesting. They also adapt well to nesting on urban buildings and bridges.
True speed demons, Peregrines can reach speeds over 200 mph when diving down feet-first to catch other birds in mid-air. Their diet consists almost entirely of other avian species, including pigeons, shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Adult Peregrines have blue-gray upperparts and barred underparts. Immature birds are browner overall. The Peregrine’s signature facial marking is the thick black malar stripe extending below its eye.
Prairie Falcon
The Prairie Falcon is an uncommon winter visitor in Western Washington that breeds in interior montane regions further east. These large, powerful falcons are associated with open habitats like shrublands, grasslands, and deserts.
During winter, they sometimes range west to hunt in agricultural areas and wetlands. Prairie Falcons search for rodents and small mammals from high perches. They also prey on large insects, reptiles, and small birds.
This species is pale overall with fine horizontal barring on its underparts. The Prairie Falcon’s back and upperwings are tan to light brownish-gray. The head has a pale whitish face with a dark eyeline and malar stripe marking.
Gyrfalcon
The largest falcon in the world, the Gyrfalcon breeds in Arctic regions. In winter, it migrates south and ranges into the northernmost parts of Western Washington as a rare visitor.
Gyrfalcons inhabit wide-open spaces where they find abundant bird prey. These massive raptors feed primarily on waterfowl, shorebirds, and ptarmigan.
Mature Gyrfalcons are almost entirely white, but immature birds display variable grayish plumage for several years. All have neat black blotches and barring on their back and wings. Dark facial markings help distinguish them from other falcon species.
Falcon Habitats in Western Washington
Western Washington contains diverse habitats capable of supporting falcons throughout the year. Here are some of the main ecosystems where falcons can be found:
Urban Areas
Several falcon species adapt readily to urban living. American Kestrels, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons all thrive in cities, where ample nesting sites and prey provide resources.
Kestrels frequent neighborhoods and use cavities in buildings or nest boxes for breeding. Peregrines nest on cliff-like skyscrapers and bridges, and hunt the abundant Rock Pigeons found in urban areas. Merlins prey on small backyard songbirds during winter.
Coastal Regions
The coastline of Western Washington offers excellent habitat for Peregrine Falcons and Merlins. Shorebirds, waterfowl, and seabirds provide abundant food for these agile avian hunters.
Peregrines inhabit coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean, islands, and estuaries while scanning for prey. Merlins patrol shorelines and wetlands flocked with small sandpipers and plovers.
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers, lakes, and other wetland areas attract good numbers of waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. These attract falcon species like the Peregrine, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon in search of food.
Reservoirs, rivers, and marshlands provide necessary waterbird prey during winter months. Falcons utilize tall trees, bridges, and cliffs near waterbodies as perching and nesting sites.
Forests
American Kestrels favor forest edges, openings, and clearcuts that provide both perching/nesting trees and open hunting space. Merlins also forage along forest-field edges for small bird prey flushed into the open.
Both species may use natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in dead trees for nesting and roosting. Larger falcons like Peregrines occasionally hunt songbirds migrating through forested areas.
Mountains
Mountains and cliff-lined canyons offer essential breeding habitat for Peregrine Falcons in Washington. These formidable eyries provide security from predators and wide views overlooking food-rich valleys.
Peregrines launch from their elevated aeries to pursue ground squirrels, pikas, mountain birds, and waterfowl associated with montane environments. Gyrfalcons that wander into Western Washington during winter may also frequent mountain habitats.
Falcon Conservation
Some Washington falcon species suffered significant population declines in the mid-20th century due to pesticide use and habitat loss. Targeted conservation efforts have helped restore their numbers.
Peregrine Falcon Recovery
The widespread use of organochlorine pesticides like DDT caused Peregrine Falcon eggshell thinning and high mortality. By the 1970s, the species was nearly extirpated in Washington.
After DDT was banned in 1972, captive breeding and release programs helped Peregrine populations slowly recover. Nesting pairs increased from just 1 in 1980 to over 100 by the 2010s. The species was delisted from Washington’s endangered species list in 2018.
American Kestrel Decline
American Kestrel populations have declined by an estimated 50% nationwide since the 1960s based on Breeding Bird Survey data. Habitat loss and increasing predation on nests are possible factors.
Washington has initiated nest box programs to provide more cavity nesting sites for kestrels in open areas. Maintaining suitable habitat with perches, nest trees, and prey are key conservation measures.
Merlin Expansion
Merlins have expanded their breeding and wintering ranges southward in recent decades. Christmas Bird Counts indicate increased winter sightings in Washington, likely reflecting growth in Merlin numbers.
Continued protection and management of wetlands and coastal habitats will benefit overwintering Merlins that migrate into Western Washington. Monitoring of breeding populations further north is also needed.
Best Places to See Falcons in Western Washington
Prominent hotspots to observe falcons in the region include:
Seattle
Seattle provides prime urban habitat for Peregrine Falcons and American Kestrels. Peregrines nest downtown on skyscrapers, bridges, and ferry terminals while hunting the city’s abundant pigeons. Kestrels inhabit parks and use nest boxes installed by Seattle Audubon.
Check out Peregrine nest cams on the Washington State Ferries website. Kestrels can also be seen perching on wires or hovering over fields at parks like Discovery Park, Seward Park, and Magnuson Park.
Skagit Wildlife Areas
The Skagit Valley contains excellent wetland habitat for wintering raptors, including falcons like Merlins and Prairie Falcons. Prime viewing spots include Fir Island Farms, Wylie Slough, and the farmlands around Conway and Stanwood. Scan for hunting falcons perched on wires.
Vancouver Lowlands
The Vancouver Lowlands near Ridgefield, WA harbor ideal winter falcon habitat. Expansive fields, wetlands, and rivers draw concentrations of shorebirds, ducks, and raptors. Watch for Merlins and Prairie Falcons scanning from fence posts and telephone poles.
Olympic Peninsula
The coastline of the Olympic Peninsula provides nesting habitat for Peregrine Falcons on seastacks and cliffs. Good vantage points include Hurricane Ridge, Rialto Beach, Shi Shi Beach, and Makah National Wildlife Refuge where you may spot a Peregrine soaring overhead.
Conclusion
Western Washington is home to a diversity of falcon species that occupy habitats ranging from urban to wild. The American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, and Gyrfalcon all utilize the region’s coastlines, wetlands, forests, and mountains to hunt for prey.
Targeted conservation efforts have helped restore populations of certain declining falcons. However, habitat protection and management remain crucial for these birds of prey. Falcon watching hotspots like Seattle, the Skagit Valley, Vancouver Lowlands, and Olympic Peninsula provide opportunities to observe these stunning raptors on their hunting grounds.