Urban Falcons Make Leduc Their Home: Kestrels and Merlins Spotted in City Neighborhoods

The Sparrow hawk, or American kestrel, the smallest falcon in the local region, has been sighted in Leduc during four spring bird counts, adding to the urban avian diversity of the city. These kestrels are easily recognized by their petite size, distinctive vertical black face stripes, orangey-red feathers, and sharp calls, distinguishing them from their larger cousin, the Merlin or Pigeon hawk.

Unlike Merlins, which are also found in Leduc, Kestrels prefer nesting in small tree cavities, cliffs, or man-made locations that resemble these habitats. The males typically measure between 8 to 10 inches in length, featuring blue-grey wings, while the females are slightly larger at 9 to 12 inches in size. Kestrels prey on a variety of small animals such as dragonflies, grasshoppers, large beetles, moths, butterflies, small rodents, and songbirds.

Often seen perched on utility lines or dead branches, Kestrels are known to scan for prey with their heads down from these vantage points. They exhibit a unique hunting strategy, sometimes following a winding path before making a swift, direct strike towards their target. Merlins, on the other hand, can be identified by their larger size, powerful flight, and more direct approach to hunting.

Residents have expressed mixed feelings about the presence of Kestrels and Merlins in their neighborhoods, citing the shrill cries and potential impact on songbird populations. Despite this, the predatory role these falcons play in controlling insect populations and safeguarding against garden-raiding birds is essential for the local ecosystem. Furthermore, the presence of Merlins and Kestrels helps in managing diseases and promoting healthier bird populations overall.