Difference between revisions of "Field Guide/Birds/Falco peregrinus"

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| binomial_authority = [[Marmaduke Tunstall|Tunstall]], [[1771]]
 
| binomial_authority = [[Marmaduke Tunstall|Tunstall]], [[1771]]
 
}}
 
}}
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[[Image:Audubon-peregrinus.jpg|thumb|right|Audubon's Peregrine Falcon]]
 
  
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The '''Peregrine Falcon''' or, formerly, in [[North America]], '''Duck Hawk''' (''Falco peregrinus'') is a medium-sized [[falcon]] about the size of a large [[crow]]: 38-53 [[Metre#SI multiples|cm]] (15 to 21 [[inch]]es) long. It has a wingspan of about 1 [[metre]] (40 inches). Males weigh 570-710 [[gram]]s; the noticeably larger females weigh 910-1190 grams.
 
  
 +
The '''Peregrine Falcon''' or, formerly known as, in [[North America]], '''Duck Hawk''' (''Falco peregrinus'') is a medium-sized [[falcon]] about the size of a large [[crow]]: 38-53 [[Metre#SI multiples|cm]] (15 to 21 [[inch]]es) long. The [[English language|English]] and scientific species names mean "wandering falcon", and refer to the fact that some populations are [[bird migration|migratory]]. It has a wingspan of about 1 [[metre]] (40 inches). Males weigh 570-710 [[gram]]s; the noticeably larger females weigh 910-1190 grams. they live up to 30 years old.
  
 
== Range, habitat and subspecies==
 
== Range, habitat and subspecies==
 
Peregrine Falcons live mostly along [[mountain range]]s, [[river]] [[valley]]s, and [[coastline]]s and increasingly, in cities. They are widespread throughout the entire world and are found on all [[continents]] except [[Antarctica]].
 
Peregrine Falcons live mostly along [[mountain range]]s, [[river]] [[valley]]s, and [[coastline]]s and increasingly, in cities. They are widespread throughout the entire world and are found on all [[continents]] except [[Antarctica]].
  
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There are many subspecies of Peregrine Falcons, including:
+
There are many subspecies of Peregrine Falcon, including:
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* ''Falco peregrinus tundrius'' breeds in the [[Arctic]] [[tundra]] of [[North America]] but is [[bird migration|migratory]] and travels as far as [[South America]].
+
* ''Falco peregrinus peregrinus'', the nominate mainly non-migratory race, which breeds over much of western Eurasia
 +
* ''F.p. anatum'' is mostly found in the [[Rocky Mountains]]. Although it used to be common throughout eastern North America, and is currently being re-introduced in the region, it remains uncommon in much of its former range. Most mature ''anatums'', except those that breed in more northern areas, winter in their breeding range. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe
 +
* ''F. p. brookei'' of southern [[Europe]] to the [[Caucasus]] is smaller and more rufous below that the nominate race.
 +
* ''F. p. calidus'' breeds in the [[Arctic]] [[tundra]] of [[Eurasia]] and is completely [[bird migration|migratory]] and travels as far as sub-[[Sahara]]n [[Africa]]. It is larger and paler than the nominate race
 +
* ''F. p. madens'' breeds in the [[Cape Verde Islands]] and has brown-washed upperparts.
 
* ''F.p. pealei'' is found in the [[Pacific Northwest]] of North America, and is non-migratory.
 
* ''F.p. pealei'' is found in the [[Pacific Northwest]] of North America, and is non-migratory.
−
* ''F.p. anatum'' is mostly found in the [[Rocky Mountains]]. Although it used to be common throughout eastern North America, and is currently being re-introduced in the region, it remains uncommon in much of its former range. Most mature ''anatums'', except those that breed in more northern areas, winter in their breeding range.
+
* ''F. p. tundrius'' breeds in the [[Arctic]] [[tundra]] of [[North America]] but is migratory and travels as far as [[South America]].
  
−
The [[Barbary Falcon]], ''Falco (peregrinus) pelegrinoides'', is often considered to be a subspecies of the peregrine.
+
The [[Barbary Falcon]], ''Falco (peregrinus) pelegrinoides'', is often considered to be a subspecies of the Peregrine.
  
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Peregrines in mild winter regions are usually permanent residents. Other populations migrate; for instance, birds from [[Alaska]], northern [[Canada]] and [[Greenland]] migrate to [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]]. Similarly, many birds from northern Eurasia move further south or to coasts in winter, but in milder areas, some birds, especially adult males, will remain on the breeding territory. Migrating birds may travel far out over open ocean.
+
Peregrines in mild-winter regions are usually permanent residents, and some birds, especially adult males, will remain on the breeding territory. However, the Arctic subspecies  migrate; ''tundrius'' birds from [[Alaska]], northern [[Canada]] and [[Greenland]] migrate to [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], and  all ''calidus''  birds from northern Eurasia move further south or to coasts in winter.
  
 
==Threats==
 
==Threats==
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Peregrine eggs and chicks are often targeted by thieves and collectors, so the location of their nest should not be revealed, unless they are protected.
 
Peregrine eggs and chicks are often targeted by thieves and collectors, so the location of their nest should not be revealed, unless they are protected.
  
−
The Peregrine, (formerly known as the '''Duck Hawk''' in the US), along with the [[Red-tailed Hawk]] and the [[Barn Owl]], is considered an avian pest in many rural areas of the [[United States]].
+
The Peregrine, along with the [[Red-tailed Hawk]] and the [[Barn Owl]], is considered an avian pest in many rural areas of the [[United States]]. {{fact}}
  
 
===Recovery efforts===
 
===Recovery efforts===
 
[[Image:Peregrine_Falcon.jpg|thumb|250px|This Peregrine Falcon was found injured and survived in [[Olomouc]] Zoological Garden, the [[Czech Republic]]. One of activities of the [[zoo|zoological garden]] is a programme of helping injured [[birds of prey]].]]
 
[[Image:Peregrine_Falcon.jpg|thumb|250px|This Peregrine Falcon was found injured and survived in [[Olomouc]] Zoological Garden, the [[Czech Republic]]. One of activities of the [[zoo|zoological garden]] is a programme of helping injured [[birds of prey]].]]
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Wildlife services around the world organized Peregrine Falcon recovery teams to breed them in captivity, at [[Cornell University]] with the work of Dr. Heinz Meng and the renowned [[World Center for Birds of Prey]] located in [[Boise]], Idaho, among other places.
+
Wildlife services around the world organized Peregrine Falcon recovery teams to breed them in captivity.
  
 
The birds were fed through a chute so they could not see the human trainers. Then, when they were old enough, the box was opened. This allowed the bird to test its wings. As the bird got stronger, the food was reduced because the bird could hunt its own food. This procedure is called hacking. To release a captive-bred falcon, the bird was placed in a special box at the top of a tower or cliff ledge.
 
The birds were fed through a chute so they could not see the human trainers. Then, when they were old enough, the box was opened. This allowed the bird to test its wings. As the bird got stronger, the food was reduced because the bird could hunt its own food. This procedure is called hacking. To release a captive-bred falcon, the bird was placed in a special box at the top of a tower or cliff ledge.
  
−
Worldwide recovery efforts have been remarkably successful. In the [[United States]], the banning of DDT, over time, made it possible for released birds to breed successfully. There are now dozens of breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in the northeastern USA. Many have settled in large cities, including [[London, Ontario|London Ontario]], where they nest on [[skyscraper]] window ledges and the towers of [[suspension bridge]]s. These structures typically closely resemble the natural elevated cliff ledges which the species prefers for nesting locations. During daytime the falcons have been observed swooping down to catch common city birds such as [[pigeon]]s and [[starling]]s. In many cities, the falcons have been credited with controlling the numbers of such birds, which have often become pests, without resort to more controversial methods such as poisoning or hunting.  
+
Worldwide recovery efforts have been remarkably successful. In the [[United States]], the banning of DDT eventually allowed released birds to breed successfully. There are now dozens of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in the northeastern USA and Canada. Many have settled in large cities, including [[London, Ontario|London Ontario]] and [[Derby]], where they nest on cathedrals, [[skyscraper]] window ledges and the towers of [[suspension bridge]]s. About 18 pairs nested in [[New York City]] in 2005.<sup>[http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/2005pfsum.pdf]</sup>
 +
 
 +
These structures typically closely resemble the natural cliff ledges which the species prefers for nesting locations. During daytime the falcons have been observed swooping down to catch common city birds such as [[Rock Dove|pigeon]]s and [[Common Starling]]s. In many cities, the Falcons have been credited with controlling the numbers of such birds, which have often become pests, without resort to more controversial methods such as poisoning or hunting.  
  
 
[[Image:Stamp-ctc-1990s-recovering-species.png|thumb|Successful efforts at saving endangered species like the Peregrine were recognized by a U.S. postal stamp.]]
 
[[Image:Stamp-ctc-1990s-recovering-species.png|thumb|Successful efforts at saving endangered species like the Peregrine were recognized by a U.S. postal stamp.]]
  
−
In [[Virginia]], state officials working with students from the Center for Conservation Biology of the [[College of William and Mary]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]] successfully established nesting boxes high atop the [[George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge]] on the [[York River]], the [[Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge]] and [[Varina-Enon Bridge]] on the [[James River (Virginia)|James River]], and at other similar locations. 13 new chicks were hatched in this Virginia program during a recent year. Over 250 falcons have been released through the Virginia program.  
+
In [[Virginia]], state officials working with students from the Center for Conservation Biology of the [[College of William and Mary]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]] successfully established nesting boxes high atop the [[George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge]] on the [[York River]], the [[Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge]] and [[Varina-Enon Bridge]] on the [[James River (Virginia)|James River]], and at other similar locations. Thirteen new chicks were hatched in this Virginia program during a recent year. Over 250 falcons have been released through the Virginia program.  
  
−
The peregrine falcon was removed from the [[United States|U.S.]] Threatened and [[Endangered Species]] list on [[August 25]], [[1999]]. Although still on the [[North Carolina]] Endangered Species list, the falcon seems to be making a comeback in western Northern Carolina, namely the [[Chimney Rock Park]], which huge rock faces serve as ideal nesting ledges for the peregrine falcon. Attempts to set up nests for the birds have proved successful, but the birds always seemed to disappear or move further west. But in April 2005, bird watchers and a local [[ornithologist]] spotted a peregrine falcon defending its nest site.  
+
The Peregrine Falcon was removed from the [[United States|U.S.]] Threatened and [[Endangered Species]] list on [[August 25]], [[1999]].  
  
−
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], there has been a good recovery of populations since the crash of the [[1960]]s. This has been greatly assisted by conservation and protection work led by the [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds|RSPB]]. Peregrines now breed in many mountainous and coastal areas especially in the west and north. They are also using some city buildings for nesting, capitalizing on the urban pigeon populations for food.
+
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], there has been a good recovery of populations since the crash of the [[1960]]s. This has been greatly assisted by conservation and protection work led by the [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds|RSPB]]. Peregrines now breed in many mountainous and coastal areas, especially in the west and north. They are also using some city buildings for nesting, capitalizing on the urban pigeon populations for food.
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
The Mediterranean Peregrine Falcon, in this context known as the [[Maltese Falcon]], was the annual rent required by Roman Emperor [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V]] when he donated the Island of [[Malta]] to the [[Knights Hospitaller]] in [[1530]].
 
The Mediterranean Peregrine Falcon, in this context known as the [[Maltese Falcon]], was the annual rent required by Roman Emperor [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V]] when he donated the Island of [[Malta]] to the [[Knights Hospitaller]] in [[1530]].
−
 
+
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest creature on the planet, reaching speeds in excess of 200mph in its patent hunting method, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then powers itself downwards at great speed into the back of the neck of its prey.
−
A nesting pair of peregrine falcons reside atop the [[Cathedral of Learning]], on the main campus of the [[University of Pittsburgh]].
+
The Peregrine Falcon has cones in its nostrils to help regulate breathing at high speed, and, once their use had been found, they were mimicked in fighter jets.
 +
On a clear day, a Peregrine Falcon couldfocus on something mouse-sized up to eight miles off.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* http://peregrinefund.org/
 
* http://peregrinefund.org/
 
* http://www.scpbrg.org/ Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group
 
* http://www.scpbrg.org/ Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group
 +
* [http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/2005pfsum.pdf New York State Peregrine Falcons 2005] (pdf from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation)
 
* http://www.pge.com/peregrinenestcam/ Peregrine Falcon webcam on 33rd floor of Pacific Gas and Electric Company building in San Francisco, a SCPBRG site
 
* http://www.pge.com/peregrinenestcam/ Peregrine Falcon webcam on 33rd floor of Pacific Gas and Electric Company building in San Francisco, a SCPBRG site
 
* http://www.indystar.com/special/falcon/ The Falcon Cam shows a nesting pair in downtown Indianapolis
 
* http://www.indystar.com/special/falcon/ The Falcon Cam shows a nesting pair in downtown Indianapolis

Revision as of 00:37, 20 April 2006

Template:Globalize/USATemplate:Taxobox


The Peregrine Falcon or, formerly known as, in North America, Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus) is a medium-sized falcon about the size of a large crow: 38-53 cm (15 to 21 inches) long. The English and scientific species names mean "wandering falcon", and refer to the fact that some populations are migratory. It has a wingspan of about 1 metre (40 inches). Males weigh 570-710 grams; the noticeably larger females weigh 910-1190 grams. they live up to 30 years old.

Range, habitat and subspecies

Peregrine Falcons live mostly along mountain ranges, river valleys, and coastlines and increasingly, in cities. They are widespread throughout the entire world and are found on all continents except Antarctica.

There are many subspecies of Peregrine Falcon, including:

  • Falco peregrinus peregrinus, the nominate mainly non-migratory race, which breeds over much of western Eurasia
  • F.p. anatum is mostly found in the Rocky Mountains. Although it used to be common throughout eastern North America, and is currently being re-introduced in the region, it remains uncommon in much of its former range. Most mature anatums, except those that breed in more northern areas, winter in their breeding range. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe
  • F. p. brookei of southern Europe to the Caucasus is smaller and more rufous below that the nominate race.
  • F. p. calidus breeds in the Arctic tundra of Eurasia and is completely migratory and travels as far as sub-Saharan Africa. It is larger and paler than the nominate race
  • F. p. madens breeds in the Cape Verde Islands and has brown-washed upperparts.
  • F.p. pealei is found in the Pacific Northwest of North America, and is non-migratory.
  • F. p. tundrius breeds in the Arctic tundra of North America but is migratory and travels as far as South America.

The Barbary Falcon, Falco (peregrinus) pelegrinoides, is often considered to be a subspecies of the Peregrine.

Peregrines in mild-winter regions are usually permanent residents, and some birds, especially adult males, will remain on the breeding territory. However, the Arctic subspecies migrate; tundrius birds from Alaska, northern Canada and Greenland migrate to Central and South America, and all calidus birds from northern Eurasia move further south or to coasts in winter.

Threats

The Peregrine Falcon became endangered because of the overuse of pesticides, in particular DDT, during the 1950s and 1960s. Pesticide build-up interfered with reproduction, thinning eggshells and severely restricting the ability of birds to reproduce. In several parts of the world, this species was wiped out by pesticides.

Peregrine eggs and chicks are often targeted by thieves and collectors, so the location of their nest should not be revealed, unless they are protected.

The Peregrine, along with the Red-tailed Hawk and the Barn Owl, is considered an avian pest in many rural areas of the United States. Template:Fact

Recovery efforts

This Peregrine Falcon was found injured and survived in Olomouc Zoological Garden, the Czech Republic. One of activities of the zoological garden is a programme of helping injured birds of prey.

Wildlife services around the world organized Peregrine Falcon recovery teams to breed them in captivity.

The birds were fed through a chute so they could not see the human trainers. Then, when they were old enough, the box was opened. This allowed the bird to test its wings. As the bird got stronger, the food was reduced because the bird could hunt its own food. This procedure is called hacking. To release a captive-bred falcon, the bird was placed in a special box at the top of a tower or cliff ledge.

Worldwide recovery efforts have been remarkably successful. In the United States, the banning of DDT eventually allowed released birds to breed successfully. There are now dozens of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in the northeastern USA and Canada. Many have settled in large cities, including London Ontario and Derby, where they nest on cathedrals, skyscraper window ledges and the towers of suspension bridges. About 18 pairs nested in New York City in 2005.[1]

These structures typically closely resemble the natural cliff ledges which the species prefers for nesting locations. During daytime the falcons have been observed swooping down to catch common city birds such as pigeons and Common Starlings. In many cities, the Falcons have been credited with controlling the numbers of such birds, which have often become pests, without resort to more controversial methods such as poisoning or hunting.

File:Stamp-ctc-1990s-recovering-species.png
Successful efforts at saving endangered species like the Peregrine were recognized by a U.S. postal stamp.

In Virginia, state officials working with students from the Center for Conservation Biology of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg successfully established nesting boxes high atop the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge on the York River, the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge and Varina-Enon Bridge on the James River, and at other similar locations. Thirteen new chicks were hatched in this Virginia program during a recent year. Over 250 falcons have been released through the Virginia program.

The Peregrine Falcon was removed from the U.S. Threatened and Endangered Species list on August 25, 1999.

In the UK, there has been a good recovery of populations since the crash of the 1960s. This has been greatly assisted by conservation and protection work led by the RSPB. Peregrines now breed in many mountainous and coastal areas, especially in the west and north. They are also using some city buildings for nesting, capitalizing on the urban pigeon populations for food.

Trivia

The Mediterranean Peregrine Falcon, in this context known as the Maltese Falcon, was the annual rent required by Roman Emperor Charles V when he donated the Island of Malta to the Knights Hospitaller in 1530. The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest creature on the planet, reaching speeds in excess of 200mph in its patent hunting method, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then powers itself downwards at great speed into the back of the neck of its prey. The Peregrine Falcon has cones in its nostrils to help regulate breathing at high speed, and, once their use had been found, they were mimicked in fighter jets. On a clear day, a Peregrine Falcon couldfocus on something mouse-sized up to eight miles off.

External links

bg:Сокол скитник cs:Sokol stěhovavý da:Vandrefalk de:Wanderfalke el:Πετρίτης es:Falco peregrinus eo:Migra falko fr:Faucon pèlerin it:Falco pellegrino lt:Sakalas keleivis nl:Slechtvalk ja:ハヤブサ no:Vandrefalk pl:Sokół wędrowny pt:Falcão peregrino sk:Sokol sťahovavý fi:Muuttohaukka sv:Pilgrimsfalk tr:Bayağı doğan uk:Сапсан

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