Peregrine Falcons have had a difficult time over the past century. They
were listed as an endangered species in 1970 after the effects of the
pesticide DDT caused a dramatic world wide decline in their populations. Falcons affected by DDT could not
lay eggs with strong enough shells to withstand the weight of the parent
during incubation. Since the banning of DDT and the introduction of
captive breeding programs, Peregrine numbers have begun to climb and
they were taken off of the National Endangered Species list in 1999,
although they remain endangered in some parts of the United States.
After virtually complete extinction in the 70s from the Western US,
Peregrines have made a spectacular recovery due to captive breeding
programs and are now again well established west of the Mississippi.Peregrines are most popular for being one of the fastest animals on the
planet. When diving after prey they can reach speeds up to 200 miles per
hour. These birds are approximately raven-sized and can be most easily
recognized by the black “helmet” covering the face and head. Their wings
are grey to black and their chest is a buff color covered with
small bars and spots. The undersides of their wings are grey with these
bars and spots as well.
Peregrines prey mainly on other birds including blackbirds, blue jays,
doves, shorebirds and many other songbirds. Prey is usually captured while in
flight, the Peregrine will generally strike from above with their large
feet either stunning the bird and causing it to fall to the ground or
killing instantly by the tremendous blow.
Peregrine Falcons have a very extensive range; in fact their name comes
from the Latin word peregines which means “wanderer” or “traveler”.
They can be found in North and South America, Eurasia, Africa and
Australia. These falcons have adapted to live in open areas such as the
tundra, savannah, and sea coast, to high mountains, and even tall
buildings. There are three subspecies of Peregrine Falcons in North
America. Each differ slightly in appearance, live in different regions
and migrate different distances. The Peale’s Peregrine can be found
along the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia and Washington. Tundra Peregrines breed
in the Canadian arctic and migrate as far south as Argentina. The
last subspecies, the Anatum Peregrine is native to North America and spends its winter in the
southern US and into the Caribbean.
