![]() ![]() Historically, they were most common in parts of the Appalachian Mountains and nearby valleys from New England south to Georgia, the upper Mississippi River Valley, and the Rocky Mountains. Peregrine falcons live mostly along mountain ranges, river valleys, and coastlines. Scientists estimate the speed of a diving peregrine to be more than 200 miles per hour. Flying high above their intended prey, peregrines will 'stoop' or dive and strike in mid-air, killing the prey with a sharp blow. Peregrine falcons feed primarily on other birds, such as songbirds, shorebirds, ducks, and-in urban areas-starlings and pigeons. Now, it is also a symbol of America's recovering threatened and endangered species. Its name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, meaning "foreigner" or "traveler." This impressive bird has long been noted for its speed, grace, and aerial skills. The peregrine falcon is one of nature's swiftest and most beautiful birds of prey. The American peregrine falcon was removed from the endangered species list in 1999. Reducing DDT in our environment provided peregrine falcons with a chance to recover and the population in Alaska has grown rapidly from 1980 to the present. Populations of this species were driven to the brink of extinction and the peregrine falcon was federally listed as an endangered species in 1973. Many people are aware of the population declines of this species due to problems with egg-shell thinning caused by persistent organic pollutants such as DDT. ![]() There are three subspecies of peregrines in North America: the American or continental peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), the tundra or arctic peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius), and the Peale’s peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus pealei). They use rocks and sticks to make an “oven” shape for the eggs and then line it with grasses, mosses, lichens, fur from animals they hunted during winter, small feathers from other birds.The American peregrine falcon is one of the best known raptors in North America. A group of these birds will usually build their nests on a cliffside, or other high place with a wide view of the surrounding area. ![]() Nesting Behavior: The Peregrine Falcons nesting behavior is something else.Conservation Status: Listed Least Concern (Population is stable).Worldwide Population: 140,000 individuals.Diet: Carrion, fish, snakes, frogs, mice, insects and small animals such as seagulls, ducks, pigeons and rabbits.Habitat: They prefer open country such as ocean, coasts, prairies, deserts, grasslands, as well as cities or towns where there are tall buildings to nest on.Range: North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.The falcon has a black beak with a yellow eye-ring, and cere, yellow legs and feet that stand in contrast to its dark plumage it also has long black talons that help it grip onto prey as it swoops down from great heights. In flight, the falcon’s under wings are grayish with black barring, with black tips on the wing feathers visible from below. The wing feathers are dark brown or olive brown with lighter edges. Identification: Peregrine Falcons have a blue-gray back, buff underparts with a bit of a rusty hue, and thin black or dark brown barring, with a black head and distinctive white patches around the neck.20 They Have a Third Eyelid to Protect Their Eyes.19 The Peregrine Falcon Can See a Mouse From 3 km Away.18 The Spectacular Way Peregrine Falcons Hunt.17 They rely on Bridges and Skyscrapers for Nesting.16 Peregrines Keep a Sharp Eye on Their Territory.15 One Third of All Peregrines Live on Remote Islands.14 Peregrine Falcon Chicks Are Born Altricial.13 Peregrines Are Very Good At Being Stealthy.12 Peregrine Falcons Have Long Lifespans.11 Peregrines Can Be Trained to Catch Pests.10 They Are Monogamous and Mate for Life.9 Peregrine Falcons Are the Fastest Animal on Earth.8 Peregrine Falcons Chicks Are Called “Eyasses”..7 When Peregrine Falcons Strike, It’s Fast and Fierce.6 The Female Peregrine Falcon is Larger Than the Male.5 The Black Tear Strip is an Indicator of Gender.4 Peregrine Falcons are Everywhere Except Antarctica.3 The name “Peregrine” means “Wanderer” in Latin.2 Peregrine Falcons Eat More Than Just Birds. ![]()
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