ALL ABOUT PEREGRINE FALCON

The Peregrine Falcon is a raptor, Discovered in South and North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

or bird of prey. Adults have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, a buff colored underside with brown spots, and white faces with a black tear stripe on their cheeks. They have a hooked beaks and strong talons. Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means “to wander.” They are commonly referred to as the Duck Hawk. Peregrine falcons are the fastest-flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour.

Diet

Peregrine falcons is not tolerant eat other birds such as songbirds and ducks, as well as bats. They catch their prey in mid-air.

Habitat

The peregrine falcon generally inhabits open country such as prairie and semi-desert, where prey is easy to spot. While the United States, the falcon is most prevalent in high zones where there are hard crags on which to breed. Cliffs and quarries also provide suitable nesting positions. In wintertime, peregrine falcons may contain even many creeks and rivers. That can also be detected far out at sea, on its road to or of its feeding areas. The particular scientific name of the peregrine falcon, peregrines, is Latin for “foreign” or “wanderer.”

Behavior

Peregrine falcons have adapted to living in many cities and make use of tall buildings that provide suitable ledges for nesting and depend on the large populations of pigeons and starlings in cities for food. They dive and catch their prey in mid-air. Peregrines have few natural predators.
Peregrine falcons mate for life and breed in the same territory each year. The male courts the female for about one month, using aerial displays. They make a nest, or scrape, on ledges and in small caves located high on a cliff. Some peregrine falcons will use man-made structures such as bridges and skyscrapers to nest.

Relative Size

Measurements

• Both Sexes

• • Length: 14.2-19.3 in (36-49 cm)

  • Weight: 18.7-56.4 oz (530-1600 g)

  • Wingspan: 39.4-43.3 in (100-110 cm).