Peregrine Falcon
A species of True Falcons, Also known as Wandering Falcon, Dutch Hawk, Peregrine Scientific name : Falco peregrinus Genus : True Falcons
Peregrine Falcon, A species of True Falcons
Also known as:
Wandering Falcon, Dutch Hawk, Peregrine
Botanical name: Falco peregrinus
Genus: True Falcons
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Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Skrissh , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The peregrine Falcon is a fast-flying bird. The large falcon has a wide global range that can affect its coloring. Its speed in the air allows it to easily capture prey that includes pigeons. The falcon’s habitats range from urban areas to coastal regions. The bird has even been spotted roosting near shorebirds.
Size
34 - 58 cm
Life Expectancy
17 years
Nest Placement
Cliff
Clutch Size
2 - 5 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
29 - 32 days
Nestling Period
35 - 42 days
Feeding Habits
Peregrine Falcon predominantly preys on a vast array of bird species, ranging from ducks to songbirds, and includes bats in its diet. While it infrequently hunts mammals, it may consume small rodents. Coastal peregrine Falcon have a diet heavily focused on seabirds. Peregrine Falcon is also known to kleptoparasitize other raptors for fish and rodents.
Habitat
Peregrine Falcon is a versatile and widespread bird of prey that thrives across diverse habitats globally. This species exhibits preference for open landscapes, often selecting cliffs and high ledges, including skyscrapers in urban settings, for nesting. These birds adapt to a variety of environmental conditions, from sea level up to an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet. They are found in temperate to tropical regions, encompassing tundra, taiga, deserts, grasslands, forests, and mountains. Peregrine Falcon is common in coastal areas, riverbanks, and cities due to abundant prey, especially where populations of Rock Pigeons are high. During migration and winter, peregrine Falcon favors open habitats, particularly along coastlines and mountainous areas.
Nest Behavior
The male peregrine Falcon proposes several nest sites and the female selects one. Nesting includes scraping a depression for eggs, with no timing specified. Both parents share in incubation and chick rearing.
Nest Characteristics
Peregrine Falcon typically chooses cliff ledges, human-made structures, or repurposed nests from other birds. They create a simple scrape, about 9 inches across and 2 inches deep, without additional materials.
Dite type
Avivorous
People often ask
General Info
Behavior
Peregrine Falcon exhibit remarkable flying abilities, distinguishing them as exceptional aviators in the avian realm. A typical day for peregrine Falcon involves patrolling its territory at impressive speeds ranging from 24 to 33 mph, escalating dramatically to 67 mph during the chase of prey. These birds are notorious for their breathtaking stoop, a dive that can reach astonishing speeds up to 238 mph for capturing prey. High perches serve as observation points, from which they may also initiate their hunting dive from great heights, employing various strategies including level pursuit and occasionally ground hunting. Despite their prowess, peregrine Falcon maintain a cautious awareness of their own predators, such as eagles and owls.
Photo By Skrissh , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Genus
True Falcons Species
Peregrine Falcon