The
Peregrine Falcon is one of the world's most magnificent
birds of prey. At 18 inches in length, the Peregrine
Falcon is the fastest bird on earth. Though it rarely
exceeds speeds of 60 miles per hour, the Peregrine
Falcon has been clocked at speeds of 200 miles per
hour and faster. Highest speeds are reached during
a stoop, when the falcon freefalls toward its prey
from above. Prey is usually killed immediately from
the impact.
Description:
The
adult Peregrine Falcon is blue-gray above and white
below, with fine grayish streaks on the breast.
It looks as if it has a blue-gray helmet on its
head. Like all falcons, the Peregrine Falcon has
long wings and a long tail. The feet are bright
yellow. Females and males are similar, though the
female is larger.
Diet:
Peregrine Falcons feed almost exclusively on birds
caught in midair. Ducks, grouse, ptarmigan, shorebirds,
and pheasants are often taken. In cities, Peregrine
Falcons consume a large number of pigeons.
Range:
Peregrine Falcons range throughout the world, and
nest in all continents except Antarctica. In North
America, it breeds throughout the Arctic, Canada,
and the western United States. Small breeding populations
have been reintroduced in the eastern United States.
New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore are
some urban areas that host nesting Peregrines. During
fall migration, Peregrine Falcons can often be seen
at hawk migration hotspots such as Hawk Mountain
in Pennsylvania, or Cape May, New Jersey. Peregrine
Falcons that nest in the arctic may migrate over
7,500 miles to their wintering grounds in southern
South America. In a single year, such a bird may
travel 15,000 miles!
Habitat:
Peregrines breed in the Arctic Tundra, ocean cliffs,
and skyscrapers of downtown areas. During migration
and winter, Peregrine Falcons frequent seashores
and wetlands.
Status:
Like many birds of prey, Peregrines Falcons have
suffered from habitat destruction and DDT poisoning.
Unlike other affected species such as Ospreys and
Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons have been somewhat
slower to recover. Nevertheless, their numbers have
increased sufficiently to be considered for removal
from the Federal Endangered Species list.
