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Falcons are perfect hunters. Once they have spotted prey, they pounce on it in a flash. Hardly any animal can escape the powerful bird with the hooked beak. Which species live in Germany?

In a nutshell

  • Falcons (Falconidae) do not officially belong to the birds of prey
  • Characteristics are long, pointed wings, small head, large eyes, hooked beak, slender body, strong toes
  • Reputation: high-pitched chatter "gig-gig-gig"
  • more than 30 falcon species worldwide

hawks

Falcons are impressive animals. They are considered the epitome of speed and strength, especially their eyesight is record-breaking. If you roam carefully through nature, you can also observe the imposing bird in Germany. We present the five native species.

Wood Hawk (Falco subbuteo)

Source: Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan, Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) (23341381161), edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Size: 36 to 48 centimeters
  • Wingspan: 74 to 84 centimeters
  • Characteristics: can only be distinguished from the peregrine falcon by its smaller size
  • Coloration: Black back, black face, black underparts with reddish brown pattern, leg plumage
  • Habitat: Forests and fields, open and sparsely wooded areas
  • Distribution in Germany: in all parts of Germany, second most common falcon species
  • Breeding season: May to August, one annual brood
  • Breeding places: in old nests of other large birds
  • Clutch: 2 to 4 whitish eggs with reddish-brown spots
  • Food: Insects, dragonflies, songbirds
  • Migration behavior: stationary or migratory bird

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

  • Size: 26 to 32 centimeters Wingspan: 55 to 69 centimeters
  • Characteristics: blackbird-sized, short tail, pointed wings
  • Colouration: gray back, orange dotted underside with reddish brown pattern, leg plumage
  • Habitat: pine and birch forests
  • Distribution in Germany: in all parts of Germany Breeding season: April to June, one annual brood
  • Breeding places: in old nests of birds of prey and crows
  • Clutch: 3 to 5 brown eggs with darker spots
  • Food: small birds
  • Migration behavior: stationary or migratory bird

Notice: The merlin, the smallest native falcon, is only the size of a blackbird. Its flight maneuvers during the foray are typical. It hunts its prey low to the ground.

Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)

male specimen; Source: Andy Morffew, Red-footed Falcon (Male) (19973885145), edited from Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0
  • Size: 28 to 34 centimeters
  • Wingspan: 65 to 76 centimeters
  • Characteristics: petite, dove-sized, long pointed wings, long tail
  • Coloration: orange feet, orange-red beak and eye ring, dark gray plumage with rust-red undertail corners, females have white face and black beard stripe
  • Habitat: forest edges, meadows, pastures, fields
  • Distribution in Germany: very rare
  • Breeding season: May to September, one annual brood
  • Breeding places: in old nests of crows
  • Clutch: 3 to 5 light brown eggs with brown spots
  • Food: insects
  • Migration behavior: migratory bird

Notice: Red-footed falcons are mainly observed as migrants in Germany. No breeding occurrences have been detected since 2005.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
  • Size: 32 to 39 centimeters
  • Wingspan: 65 to 82 centimeters
  • Characteristics: petite, dove-sized, long pointed wings, long tail
  • Colouration: reddish brown back, light underside with reddish brown pattern, feathers darker at the tip
  • Habitat: meadows, pastures, fields, near settlements
  • Distribution in Germany: in all parts of Germany
  • Breeding season: March to July, one annual brood
  • Breeding places: in old nests of birds of prey, crows, squirrels or nest boxes
  • Clutch: 4 to 6 yellowish eggs with brown spots
  • Food: small mammals, birds, insects
  • Migration behavior: stationary or migratory bird

Notice: The kestrel is the most common falcon species in Germany. When hunting, it often pauses 10 to 20 meters above the ground and follows its prey with its eyes. This behavior is referred to as "jiggling".

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

  • Size: 36 to 48 centimeters Wingspan: 95 to 110 centimeters
  • Characteristics: compact physique, broad chest
  • Coloration: slate gray back, light underside with dark spots
  • Habitat: Mountains and lowlands, open and sparsely wooded areas, on tall buildings in cities
  • Distribution in Germany: in all parts of Germany, particularly common in the southwest
  • Breeding season: March to June, one annual brood
  • Breeding sites: in rock or tree cavities, on tall buildings
  • Clutches: 3 to 4 rust colored eggs with dark spots
  • Food: smaller birds
  • Migration behavior: stationary or migratory bird

Notice: the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world. In a dive, it reaches speeds of more than 300 kilometers per hour.

frequently asked Questions

Where do hawks breed?

Hawks do not build their own nests. They breed in abandoned nests of other large bird species, such as ravens and crows. They re-line them with feathers, wool and straw. Other birds, such as the eagle owl, are also interested in the abandoned nests.

What to do if a young hawk is found outside the nest?

If the little bird doesn't appear injured, you don't need to do anything. Young hawks walk around the earth for several weeks before they can fly. Falcon parents then also feed their offspring outside the eyrie. During this period they live very dangerously. Keep dogs on a leash and definitely don't take the hawks with you. If you are unsure, contact the forest ranger or a breeding station.

What is the reason for the decline in falcons in Germany?

The use of pesticides such as DDT and lindane in agriculture has led to depletion of stocks. These agents have affected the fertility and breeding success of the birds. The shells of the bird eggs no longer achieved the necessary strength and broke in the nest. Today, these pesticides are banned, but the threat is only partially eliminated. Monoculture in agriculture, wind turbines, lack of nesting sites and stalking by pigeon breeders are just some of the reasons for the decline in populations.

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Animals in the garden