Peregrine Falcon - Falco Peregrinus anatum - Endangered
Description: Peregrine falcons are the size of a crow. They have a dark blue to slate gray back, white throat, black markings on the face, and a spotted or barred belly.
Chick to Falcon: Peregrine falcons usually nest in depressions of a cliff. They will also use the nests of eagles, hawks, and other birds. Oddly enough, peregrine falcons will also nest on tall buildings. Three to four eggs are laid in April. Incubation takes about 33 days. Both adults take part in the incubating and feeding of the young. After hatching, the young can fly in 35 to 42 days.
What's for Dinner?: Peregrine falcons prey on pigeons, ducks, blackbirds, and other birds.
Here to There: Historically, nesting information of the peregrine falcon in North Dakota came from the western part of the state and the Turtle Mountains area. In 1990, a pair of peregrine falcons were reported to have stayed for a month in downtown Fargo, North Dakota. However, peregrine falcons have not nested in North Dakota since 1954.
Natural Habitat: Peregrine falcons will use almost any habitat type that provides hunting opportunities. They do, however, prefer to nest in habitats with cliffs. Peregrine falcons have also been known to nest and hunt in cities with tall buildings.
Interesting Facts:
- This swift hunter can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour in a dive to capture its prey.
- Some nesting sites or aeries in Europe have been occupied for more than 300 years.
- Peregrine falcons are used in falconry, an ancient form of hunting. In this case, the falcon is the hunter, instead of the hunted.
Reasons for Population Decline: In the past, a pesticide known as DDT caused eggshells to thin, causing a decline in offspring production.
Road to Recovery: Peregrine falcons have been raised in captivity and released into the wild.
