Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus · Also known as: duck hawk
World-class aerial hunter. Assateague and the inlet can produce migrants and winter birds chasing shorebirds and ducks.
Quick facts
| Group | Raptor |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Inlet, Offshore / ocean, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | migration, fall, spring, winter |
How to recognize them
- Slaty back, barred underparts, dark “helmet” head pattern; pointed falcon wings.
- Direct, powerful flight—often high before stooping on prey.
Biology notes
- Feeds on birds caught in flight; coastal migrants follow shorebird concentrations.
- Recovered from DDT-era declines; still an exciting find for visiting birders.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague beaches and marsh edges during shorebird migration.
- Ocean City Inlet and high-rise perches / towers scanned with binoculars.
When to look
- Migration peaks and wintering season offer the best odds; summer birds are scarce.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- When shorebird flocks suddenly flush, look up—a falcon may be the cause.
Conservation
- Highlighted by Maryland Assateague wildlife notes among notable raptors of the island.
