Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 14.2–19.3 in
36–49 cm - Wingspan
- 39.4–43.3 in
100–110 cm - Weight
- 18.7–56.4 oz
530–1600 g
Other Names
- Duck Hawk
- Faucon pèlerin (French)
- Halcón peregrino (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The name "peregrine" means wanderer, and the Peregrine Falcon has one of the longest migrations of any North American bird. Tundra-nesting falcons winter in South America, and may move 25,000 km (15,500 mi) in a year. Maps of the migration of individual falcons determined by satellite telemetry can be seen at Environment Canada.
- People have trained falcons for hunting for over a thousand years, and the Peregrine Falcon was always one of the most prized birds. Efforts to breed the Peregrine in captivity and reestablish populations depleted during the DDT years were greatly assisted by the existence of methods of handling captive falcons developed by falconers.
- The Peregrine Falcon is a very fast flier, averaging 40-55 km/h (25-34 mph) in traveling flight, and reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (69 mph) in direct pursuit of prey. During its spectacular hunting stoop from heights of over 1 km (0.62 mi), the peregrine may reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph) as it drops toward its prey.
- The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands.
Habitat
Mountains
Found in a variety of habitats, most with cliffs for nesting and open areas for foraging. Uses large cities and nests on buildings.
Food
Birds
Mostly birds, from songbirds up to small geese. Bats and other small mammals.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–5 eggs
- Egg Description
- Reddish brown with darker brown blotches.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless, eyes open, covered with off-white down.
Nest Description
Nest a shallow, unlined scrape. Placed on ledge of cliff or building, or in old raven nest.
Nest Placement
Cliff
Behavior
Aerial Dive
Searches from perch or while flying. Dives on prey from high above and strikes it with its feet, or pursues it from behind. Kills by biting into neck.
Conservation
Least Concern
Populations crashed in 1950-1970 because of DDT poisoning; eastern population extirpated. It was declared an Endangered Species, and extensive efforts were made to reestablish birds in East, beginning with the work of Tom Cade in 1970 at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which eventually developed into the Peregrine Fund. The species recovered enough to be removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999. You can help scientists learn more about this species by participating in the Celebrate Urban Birds!
Credits
- White, C. M., N. J. Clum, T. J. Cade, and W. G. Hunt. 2002. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). In The Birds of North America No. 660 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.