Peregrine Falcon    Falco peregrinus

The peregrine falcon is an amazing bird of prey found on all world continents except Antarctica.  With its bluish/gray upper parts, cream-colored under parts, and dark head pattern, this species is very easy to identify, even from a distance. These birds are powerful and streamlined, and are the world's fastest flyers, diving at speeds of more than 200mph. Peregrine falcons are expert hunters, feeding on songbirds, shore birds, ducks, geese, and pigeons.   Most hunting is done from the air, and the peregrine is specialized for hunting in open areas. The peregrine uses its speed to stay above its prey during flight, then dives, killing the prey by a direct blow with a closed fist. 

There are three subspecies of the Peregrine falcon in North America, all of which look very similar.  They all, however, have the characteristic dark “mustache” or “sideburns”. All wild populations of peregrines, however, are still recovering from the heavy use of DDT and other pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s.  The reproductive cycle of many birds was disrupted by these pesticides, which accumulate in the fat of animals and are passed from prey to predator. Birds of prey, which are top consumers, are especially vulnerable to these toxic substances. Weakening of the shells and damage to embryos caused by DDT and other pesticides resulted in very low birth rates.  Eagles and hawks were also profoundly affected by chemical overuse.  DDT is banned in the United States, but is still used in parts of Latin and South America, where the peregrine and other migratory birds may still experience the wrath of these dangerous substances.

Captive breeding and relocation has been a success story for the peregrine, although habitat loss restricts exponential population growth.  Introduction of these birds into large cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, have been triumphant in increasing numbers of falcons, and decreasing numbers of “city birds” like pigeons.

In the breeding season, falcons nest on a cliff ledge, top of a building, or under a bridge close to a food source (i.e. a park with pigeons). They do not build their own nest, and will occasionally nest on the ground or occupy an old hawk or eagle nest. Females lay two to five eggs in the "scrape" or nesting site, which is usually just a shallow depression. Eggs are incubated mainly by the female while the male hunts for food. Hatchlings are able to fly at about a month after hatching, but depend on their parents for several weeks after they leave the nest. Fledglings may stay together for a short time after they become independent of the adults, gaining flight and hunting experience.  Peregrines rarely breed before three years of age, and participate in exciting courtship rituals.  Making it to sexual maturity is a difficult task, however, as most peregrine falcons succumb to disease or poaching during their first year.