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Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Uncommon
Habitat: Grassland, Wetland, Coastal
Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)
Lifespan: 13 years on average

A large, robust falcon that flies high and dives at speeds up to 260 mph, the greatest speeds attained by any animal. Incredibly swift and agile, they strike with clenched talons, killing their prey on impact, or simply pluck other birds out of the air. Peregrine Falcons have a black hood, wide black “sideburns,” a slate-gray back, pale belly with black spots, and long pointed wings. Females are larger than males. They live mainly along mountain ranges, rivers, coastlines, and near skyscrapers. Peregrine Falcons can be found worldwide, but are rare today and remain vulnerable after the overuse of pesticides in the mid 1900’s.

Diet

Peregrine Falcons eat mostly birds, of an enormous variety—450 North American species have been documented as prey

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Aves
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Order: Falconiformes
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Family: Falconidae
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Genus: Falco
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Species: Falco peregrinus

Scientific Name

Falco peregrinus
Breeding Season
Peregrine falcons breed between March and May, depending on latitude.
Migration Pattern
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.
Lifespan
13 years on average

Behavior

Peregrine Falcons are very strong fliers and often reported to be the fastest bird in the world. Their average cruising flight speed is 24 to 33 mph, increasing to 67 mph when in pursuit of prey. Territorial and courtship displays include high circling flight by male, spectacular dives and chases by both sexes. When not breeding they are primarily solitary and establish and defend territories.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Grassland
Wetland
Coastal

Geographic Distribution

Permanent resident on northwest coast and in some temperate regions; northern breeders are long-distance migrants, many going to South America. Migrants often travel along coastlines and regularly occur well out at sea. They may be seen in Georgia during migration. Peregrine falcons are found worldwide, except for rainforests and cold, dry Arctic regions. They are one of the most widespread terrestrial vertebrate species in the world. Most southern Palearctic and island populations of peregrine falcon are resident, and do not migrate.

Local Abundance

Uncommon

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

Threats & Impacts

The Peregrine Falcon has been recovering slowly after populations crashed from 1950-1970 because of DDT poisoning. During this time, the eastern population was extirpated, and it was declared an Endangered Species. Since 1966, populations appear to have stabilized according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
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