Seven of the eleven types of Falcons found in North America have been spotted in British Columbia. Five of these are regularly occurring (common) and two are rare or accidental species in the state. The common types are Merlin, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, and …

In British Columbia, there are five remarkable types of falcons: the Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, and Gyrfalcon. The Peregrine Falcons, with their incredible diving ability and unmatched speed, can be found throughout the province.

Peregrine Falcons can be found throughout British Columbia, making nests on cliffs, tall buildings, and even bridges. They are highly adaptable birds and can thrive in both urban and natural environments.

Below is a list of the 5 types of falcons in British Columbia! Make sure to pay attention to the range maps to see which falcons live near you! For each species, I have included a few photographs, along with their most common sounds, to help you identify any birds you are lucky enough to observe.

In British Columbia, this family is represented by five species of true falcons (genus Falco): American Kestrel (F. sparverius), Merlin (F. columbarius), Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus), Gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus), and Prairie Falcon (F. mexicanus) (Campbell et al. 1990).

British Columbia has 38 birds of prey that have been spotted here which includes owls, eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, kites, and osprey. Birds of prey hunt and eat other animals, mainly mammals, reptiles, and smaller birds, but some also hunt fish.

From the powerful and swift Peregrine Falcon to the small yet fierce Merlin, these birds of prey epitomize the beauty and adaptability of nature’s aerial hunters. The presence of these falcons in our Canadian ecosystem reminds us of the remarkable diversity and resilience of the avian world.

A medium-sized falcon with pointed wings, a hooked bill, and conspicuous (in flight) dark patches near the body on the underside of the wings (axillaries and coverts); adults are pale brown above, whitish with heavy spotting below; head has narrow dark streak extending downward from each eye; immatures are buffy below; average length 39-50 cm ...

The Prairie Falcon eats mostly small mammals (especially in summer) and birds caught in flight. This species nests on cliff ledges. The clutch averages four eggs, which are pinkish with brown, reddish-brown, and purplish dots. The incubation period is 31 days.

The coastal subspecies, Peale’s Peregrine Falcon (F.p.pealei) is generally darker and larger than the rarer American Peregrine Falcon (F.p.anatum) of the interior, which often has a salmon colour on its chest. The Peregrine is very fast, flying with rapid beats of its tapered wings.