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The large and robust Peregrine Falcon is one of the world’s most spectacular birds of prey. An ultimate flying machine, the Peregrine Falcon hunts at astonishing speeds, diving from above at 200 km per hour to tear their prey from the sky. Measuring around 40 to 50 cm, they have a black hood and wide black patch that resembles a mustache. Adults are slate grey and pale below, while juvenile birds are browner above and streaked below.
The Peregrine Falcon prefers open country, especially near rivers, lakes, along coasts, but is also found in cities. They migrate to the coast in the winter. Nesting occurs on the ledge of a cliff or tall building, or in an abandoned nest. The Peregrine Falcon does not return to the same area to mate each year, and will search great distances to find a partner.
Spotting a Peregrine Falcon is very rare in the Algonquin Highlands area, although you may see one passing through. They are currently extinct as a breeding bird in the area, but hopes of their return are strong. An alarming decline in the species occurred in the 1950’s and 1960’s, which was linked to the use of the pesticide DDT. The long lasting poison was consumed by smaller birds, which were in turn eaten by the Peregrine Falcon. The buildup of poison accumulated in the small bird was then transferred in whole to the Peregrine Falcon, thus creating very dangerous levels in a short amount of time. The high level of DDT in the falcon’s body lead to their production of thin-shelled eggs, which cracked or failed to hatch. Captive breeding programs were started with healthy birds, which have lead to the gradual increase we see today. There are now at least 50 pairs of Peregrine Falcons breeding in eastern North America. It is the hope that they will one day again breed throughout Ontario.
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PEREGRINE FALCON
Falco peregrinus
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