Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus - facts and video

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Falco peregrinus

The peregrine falcon is a bird of prey. Adults have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, a buff colored underside and white faces with a black tear stripe on their cheeks. They have a hooked beaks and strong talons. Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means “to wander”. They are commonly referred to as the Duck Hawk. Peregrine falcons are the fastest flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour.

Length 15-21 inches (wingspan of 3.5 feet)
Weight About 2 lbs.; females are slightly larger than males

Lifespan 7-15 years; some can live as long as 20 years

Diet

Other birds such as songbirds and ducks and occasionally bats. They catch their prey in mid-air.

Population

There are an estimated 1,650 breeding pairs in the United States and Canada.

Range

This bird is one of the most widely distributed species in the world. It is found on every continent except Antarctica. It can survive in a wide variety of habitats including urban cities, the tropics, deserts and the tundra. Some migrate long distances from their wintering areas to their summer nesting areas.

Behavior

Peregrine Falcons have adapted to living in many cities and make use of tall buildings that provide suitable ledges for nesting and depend on the large populations of pigeons and starlings in cities for food. They dive and catch their prey in mid-air. Peregrines have few natural predators.

Peregrine falcons mate for life and breed in the same territory each year. The male courts the female for about one month, using aerial displays. They make a nest, or scrape, on ledges and in small caves located high on a cliff. Some peregrine falcons will use man-made structures such as bridges and skyscrapers to nest.

Reproduction
Mating Season Late March through May
Gestation 29-32 days for egg incubation
Clutch size 3-4 eggs
Both the male and female incubate the eggs for about one month. The chicks start to fly in about 42 days, but are still dependent on their parents to learn how to hunt. Peregrine falcons are very territorial during breeding season and will vigorously defend their nests.

Threats

Historically, the use of DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) as a pesticide resulted in a rapid decline in the population. DDT and DDE (a breakdown product of DDT) cause eggshell thinning, resulting in the eggshell breaking while being incubated. Today, DDE is still found in some areas and DDT is used in some countries where the peregrine falcon winters. Great-horned owls and golden eagles will occasionally kill young peregrine falcons.

Legal Status/Protection

Once listed as endangered under the *Endangered Species Act, the Arctic peregrine falcon and the American peregrine falcon have made a good recovery and have been removed from the endangered species list. **Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Arctic peregrine falcon was removed from the endangered species list in October of 1994. The American peregrine falcon was removed from the endangered species list in August of 1999.

*The Endangered Species Act requires the US federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.

** The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements various treaties and conventions between the U.S. and Canada, Japan, Mexico and the former Soviet Union for the protection of migratory birds. Under the Act, taking, killing or possessing migratory birds is unlawful.

How You Can Help

Help peregrine falcons and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.