Falcons (Family
Falconidae) are powerful hunters distinguished from hawks by
their long wings, bent back at the wrist, narrow and pointed.
Females are larger than the males.
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
is15-21" long and has a wingspan of 36-44". The crown
and nape are black; a black wedge extends below the eye, forming
a distinctive helmet, which is absent in the smaller Merlin and
similar Prairie Falcon. The plumage varies from pale to very
dark depending on the bird's location. Intermediate form of the
west once ranged the continent. The immature Peregrine is dark
brownish above, its underparts are heavily streaked. In flight
the absence of contrasting axillaries and wing coverts distinguishes
all Peregrines from Prairie Falcons. Peregrines inhabit open
wetlands near cliffs; they prey chiefly on ducks, shorebirds
and seabirds. Occasionally seen in cities, on bridges and tall
buildings. They are rare and local in the west. Eastern breeding
populations were almost exterminated in recent decades, due largely
to pesticides. Peregrines have now been reintroduced in parts
of their former range and are seen year-round. Most eastern sightings,
however, are of migrating tundrius birds, usually along the coast
in fall. They are uncommon to rare in winter in U.S.
The Peregrine is recognized as a falcon
by its pointed wings, narrow tail and quick wingbeats, which
are not unlike a pigeons. Its size is near that of a Crow. These
and its heavy mustache indentify it. Adults are slaty-backed;
pale below, with bars and spots. Young birds are dark brown above,
heavily striped below.
The nest is found in a scrape on a ledge
high on a cliff or building ledge or in an abandoned bird's nest.
The 2-4 cream or buff eggs are spotted with reddish brown. In
the Northern Hemisphere these are usually laid in mid-April.
There is one brood. Both sexes take turns incubating for 28 to
32 days. The chicks are 
downy
white. They leave the nest after 6 weeks, staying with their
parents until the autumn, when they disperse to start life on
their own.
The voice is a rasping kack-kack-kack-kack,
usually heard at the nest; otherwise Peregrine's are generally
silent.
Peregrine habitat is open country, especially
along rivers; also near lakes, along coasts and in cities. Migrates
chiefly along coasts.
Their range is from Alaska and Canadian
Arctic south locally through mountainous West, and sparingly
in East. Winters coastally, north to British Columbia and Massachusetts.
Also in southern South America and the Old World.
Urban Peregrines subsist mainly on pigeons,
which has brought it into conflict with man's interests; a problem
that has existed for more than 150 years. The Peregrine climbs
above its intended victim and at great speed, with wings half
closed, hurtles downward in a slanting dive to strike its fatal
blow. It has been suggested that its speed in this attacking
dive is in excess of 100 miles per hour, but in truth it is probably
around sixty-five miles per hour.
The plush Peregrine shown above is made
by Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon Birds collection.
These birds are unique in that when squeezed they will utter
their own particular call. Check the Gift
Shop to see if there are any Peregrines in stock.
