In the winter, many species of falcons migrate to warmer climates where they can more easily find food. However, some falcons are year-round residents and don’t migrate at all. Here’s a quick overview of where different types of falcons go in the winter months:
Migratory Falcons
Many falcons that breed in North America migrate south for the winter. Some key migratory species include:
- Peregrine Falcon – They breed in northern areas of North America and winter along coastlines, marshes, and open areas from southern Canada to South America.
- American Kestrel – They breed across most of North America and migrate south to the southern U.S., Mexico, Central and South America for winter.
- Merlin – They breed in Canada and Alaska and migrate south to winter along coastlines and open country across the southern half of North America.
- Gyrfalcon – The white color morphs are strongly migratory, moving south in winter from their Arctic breeding grounds.
During migration, these falcons typically travel during the day and stopover periodically to rest and feed. Their migrations can cover thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Non-Migratory Falcons
Some falcons are year-round residents that don’t migrate. These include:
- Crested Caracara – Found in the southern U.S., Mexico, and South America, they stay put year-round.
- Aplomado Falcon – Native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, they are non-migratory and stay on their breeding grounds.
- Bat Falcon – Ranges from Mexico through South America where they are present all year.
- Orange-breasted Falcon – Found in Central and South America, they are non-migratory residents.
These subtropical and tropical falcon species often do make seasonal movements tracking food sources, but they don’t make predictable long-distance migrations.
Partial Migration
Some falcons are partial migrants, meaning some populations migrate while others are year-round residents. Examples include:
- Prairie Falcon – Northern populations migrate south while southern birds are non-migratory.
- Aplomado Falcon – Northernmost populations migrate south while southern birds stay put.
- Merlin – Most populations migrate, but some Pacific Northwest birds are year-round residents.
Wintering Habitats and Behaviors
Migrating falcons use a variety of habitats in winter, but they often seek out open areas near water where prey is abundant. Key wintering habitats include:
- Coastlines – Used by peregrines, merlins, and many others to hunt shorebirds.
- Grasslands – Used by American kestrels, prairie falcons, and others to hunt small mammals and insects.
- Marshes – Attract wintering peregrines, merlins, and more in search of waterfowl.
- Agricultural areas – Draw in American kestrels, aplomado falcons, and others to prey on rodents.
- Urban areas – Peregrines are increasingly wintering in cities where pigeons and starlings are plentiful.
While on their wintering grounds, falcons must compete with other raptors for food resources. They also face hazards like severe weather, human disturbance, and habitat loss. Mortality rates during migration and winter are typically higher than during breeding season.
Pre-Migration Conditioning
Prior to fall migration, migratory falcons go through important physiological changes to prepare for their long journeys:
- Hyperphagia – Increased appetite to accumulate fat reserves for energy.
- Muscle hypertrophy – Enlargement of flight muscles to power sustained flight.
- Improved flight efficiency – Molting old wing feathers for better flight performance.
Young falcons making their first migration also imprint on their nesting sites, gaining the navigational map they’ll need to return the following spring.
Return Migration in Spring
As winter ends, migratory falcons head back north to their breeding territories. Spring migration timing is linked to seasonal cues like:
- Increasing day length
- Warming temperatures
- Changes in food availability
Some patterns of spring return migration include:
- Male falcons often lead the way, arriving before females.
- Immature falcons usually migrate later than adults.
- Breeding sites further north are reached later in spring.
Upon reaching their breeding sites, the falcons establish territories, find mates, and build nests. After a long migration and winter, the breeding season is the next critical phase of their annual cycle.
Conclusion
In summary, many falcons migrate south for the winter while some subtropical species remain year-round residents. Migratory falcons use a variety of habitats in winter and must undergo key physiological changes beforehand. Their spring return migration is precisely timed to coincide with peak food availability upon reaching their northern breeding grounds. For migratory falcons, the wintering period is a crucial phase that enables their incredible long-distance journeys between breeding and non-breeding areas.