Fast and strong, the peregrine falcon drops down on prey from high above in a spectacular stoop. Sometimes called a duck hawk, the peregrine feeds primarily on birds. Shorebirds are commonly taken where available but other species such as blackbirds, robins, jays and flickers also serve as prey. Near cities, starlings and pigeons are the mainstay of their diet. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a medium-sized bird of prey with a body length of 15 - 20 inches and a 3 1/2 foot wingspan. The falcon has a slate-blue back and head with distinctive black “sideburns.” The peregrine's elegant head pattern makes this species very distinctive, even from a distance. Its underparts are cream-colored and are distinguished by horizontal black barring and spotting. Historically, the peregrine falcon ranged throughout North America and much of the rest of the world. In the eastern United States they nested from the Great Lakes and eastern Maine, south to Georgia and Alabama. Numbers were never large because each pair requires a large feeding territory centered around a suitable nesting site. Peregrines are native to a wide variety of open habitats, including wetlands, alpine meadows, and tundra. Peregrines usually nest on high, remote cliff ledges. The nest site or "eyrie" usually consists of a shallow depression, or "scrape," in the rocks and soil, sometimes surrounded with twigs and grass. In all cases, Peregrines choose a site which has an isolated protected spot for nesting near good hunting grounds. Most of the time this is a cliff or rocky outcrop. The size of a breeding territory varies greatly among individual Peregrines. In some cases nests may be within less than a half mile of each other, while in other places a pair will defend a territory with a radius of 12 miles or more. While several factors may be involved, it appears that food availability is the primary limitation on nesting density. Recently, peregrines have adapted to the lack of preferred habitat by taking up nesting sites on skyscrapers and high bridges. Among the cities that have had nesting peregrines in recent years are Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus OH, Buffalo, Rochester, New York, Boston, and Pittsburgh. People pose the greatest threat to this master of the air. Habitat destruction is a leading cause in the decline of peregrine falcons from much of their historic range. The excessive use of pesticides causes death in peregrines and other raptors. (After World War II the increased use of DDT caused a drastic drop in raptor populations.) Feeding on prey contaminated with the pesticides causes a progressive build-up in the falcons’ bodies. Recovery program have proven successful. The peregrine falcon was listed as endangered from 1970 to 1999. At the time of delisting there were 1,750 pairs in Canada, United States and Mexico. As of 2003, their population is estimated at 3,005 nesting pairs. In order to maintain a healthy population of peregrines, nesting and wintering habitat must be preserved, and peregrines still need to be protected from killing or capture. » Take a look at the Kestrel Haven Wildlife Sanctuary. » Learn how to become an effective animal advocate. » Check out our latest accomplishments. |
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