Falcons in Galicia

Falcons are a bird of prey in the Falconidae family that also includes hobbies and kestrels. They are known for being capable hunters of great speed and agility, and being able to see small prey from over three kilometres away.

In certain habitats they are considered an umbrella species, meaning its conservation benefits other living organisms that make up the ecosystems in which they live.

The Merlin is the smallest falcon found in Europe, and a winter visitor in Galicia. They have a preference for open habitats such as moorlands, shrublands and taiga forests, primarily feeding on small birds such as larks and pipits.

Eurasian and North American populations have been genetically distinct for over a million years. In Europe, several subspecies exist, with migratory populations moving to southern Europe and North Africa for winter. During this period they are known to roost communally with other raptors, including hen harriers.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Lesser Kestrel is a small, highly social falcon found across southern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Asia and Africa.

Males have blue-grey heads and reddish-brown backs; females are brown with streaking. The species nests in colonies and migrates to Africa for winter.

In Spain, populations declined significantly during the twentieth century before recovering through conservation efforts, including the installation of artificial nesting sites. However, there is some concern about the impact of wind and solar farms, which the Doñana Biological Station began studying in 2024.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Peregrine is one of the most widespread birds of prey in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. Its diving speed of over 300km/h makes it the fastest animal on Earth.

It is a large falcon, identifiable by its blue-grey plumage and distinctive dark markings below the eye. In Galicia they typically nest on the rocky cliffs but they are known to also inhabit tall man-made structures.

The species faced population declines due to pesticide use in the mid-20th century, but since the banning of DDT, populations have recovered.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

The Eurasian Hobby is a small, slender falcon, with long pointed wings giving it a swift-like appearance in flight. They are skilled aerial hunters, capable of catching prey such as dragonflies, swifts, and even bats.

In Galicia they are summer visitors where they favour open areas with scattered trees.

It is a long-distance migrant, spending summers in Europe and winters in Africa, nesting in old nests made by other birds. There are two known subspecies, with Falco subbuteo subbuteo being the most common across the Palearctic.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

The Common Kestrel is one of the more familiar birds of prey across Europe, Africa and Asia, recognisable by its habit of hovering in place while scanning the ground for prey. Males have a blue-grey head and reddish wings spotted with black. It feeds on small mammals, reptiles and insects.

It is a versatile species, breeding on cliffs, trees and buildings and adapting readily to both rural and urban environments. Eleven subspecies are recognised, with Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus being the most common across Europe.

In Galicia, the Common Kestrel is a year-round resident, frequently seen hovering over farmland, grassland and urban areas.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

Red Book of Birds in Spain

Fortunately, the Falcons found in Galicia have a conservation status of least concern, but, as predators, they depend on a healthy prey population and intact habitats to survive. Neither of which is guaranteed.

The impact of such issues is described in the Red Book of bird species endangered in Spain, for which SEO Birdlife published a revised edition in 2021. While falcons didn’t appear in it, over 50% of the nation’s bird life was described as having problems with conservation, with 12 species believed to be extinct in Spain.