Peregrine Falcons

About

The Peregrine Falcon, scientifically known as Falco peregrinus, is a powerful and fast-flying bird of prey. It is renowned for its spectacular hunting technique, known as a stoop, where it dives from high altitudes to catch medium-sized birds. Peregrine Falcons are crow-sized, measuring 15-21 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately three feet. They have distinctive slate-gray wings, dark brown backs, and buff-colored undersides with dark bars. Their faces are light with black streaks on the cheeks and white chins, accompanied by yellow feet and legs, brown eyes, and short, hooked gray bills. Females are larger than males. Peregrine Falcons are found on all continents except Antarctica and are known for their adaptability, nesting on cliffs, mountains, and even tall buildings in urban areas. Historically, they faced severe decline due to DDT poisoning, leading to their listing as an endangered species in the U.S. in 1970. However, through concerted conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and the ban on DDT in 1972, Peregrine Falcons were successfully restored to their historic ranges and removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999. Today, they remain a celebrated example of successful conservation.