Merlins prey mostly on smaller birds like swallows, sparrows, and small shorebirds like Least Sandpipers. They differ in appearance by the Merlin’s more plain facial features, and more bold streaking on the breast and stomach. Merlins are the other small falcon in Texas, just barely larger than a kestrel. Summertime Kestrels can be found north of Dallas, in the Lubbock area and entire panhandle, and higher elevations in west Texas like the Davis Mountains. Anywhere with open fields can potentially host a kestrel or two.Īlthough the bulk of the population migrates north for the summer, northern parts of the state will see moderate numbers year-round. It’s often seen perched on power lines and poles as it scans open grasslands for small rodents and insects to dive on.įrom late fall through early spring, American Kestrels are a common sight along suburban outskirts and in more rural areas. The American Kestrel is Texas’ smallest, most common, and most colorful falcon. Blue and red feathers visible on males Photo by Andy Morffew.Falcons are classified in the family Falconidae, while hawks are in the family Accipitradae. Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but are not closely related. Hawks have more broad wings, and are proportionally more bulky, usually built for power rather than speed. What’s the Difference between a Hawk and a Falcon?įalcons are different from hawks in their smaller size, slim build, and narrow pointed wings built for speed and agility. November through March is the best time to see them, especially along the coast. Winter is when falcon diversity peaks in Texas, as migrant falcons move south where prey is more abundant. Of those, 6 are regularly found in the state, while 2 species were one-hit wonders – with only a single individual ever documented. Texas officially has 8 documented species of falcon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |