Peregrine Falcon

Status: Two subspecies are endangered: American (F. peregrinus anatum) and Eurasian (f. peregrinus peregrunus). Arctic subspecies (F. peregrinus tundrius) is threatened. However, many populations have made a dramatic comeback.

Description: Medium sized bird of prey with long pointed wings and a long tail. Adults have blue-gray backs and white faces usually with a black stripe on each side, and large, dark eyes.

Size: Length: 15-20 inches from head to tail. Wingspan: 3 feet. Females larger than males.

Habitat: Mountain ranges, river valleys, coastal areas. Sometimes build aeries (nests) on tall buildings in cities.

Range:
F. peregrinus: worldwide, except Antarctica and Pacific Islands.
F. peregrinus anatum: nests from central Alaska across north central Canada to central Mexico, winters south to South America.
F. peregrinus tundrius: nests from northern Alaska to Greenland; winters south to Central and South America.
F. peregrinus peregrinus: Europe, Eurasia south to Africa and Mideast.

Food Source: Primarily starlings, jays, pigeons, shorebirds, and some ducks.

Behavior: Male performs aerial acrobatics to attract mate. Female lays several eggs in late spring which hatch one month later. Young mature at 2 years.

Survival Threats: Habitat loss; continued use of DDT in many Latin American countries where the falcon winters. DDE, a by-product of DDT, weakens eggshells, causing them to break during brooding.

Legal Protection: CITES Appendix I, Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Endangered Species Act.

Conservation: Banning use of DDT, captive breading and reintroduction, public education, field research. Over 3,000 peregrines have been released in 28 states since mid-1970's.