North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Peregrine Falcon
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: PEFA (1)
Faucon pèlerin
Falco peregrinus
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species; The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), once called the "Duck Hawk" is found on all the continents except Antarctica. In North America there are at least three sub-species, the Tundra and Peale's are the best known. One of the top choices used by falconers for centuries. Peregrine Falcon takes its prey on the wing, typically striking them from above or chasing them down. Records have shown, when in a stoop (dive), speeds of over 250 miles per hour and more are achieved. These falcons were put on the endangered list because of the their very low numbers in the 1960's and 70's, because of the damages of DDT, a pesticide which caused eggs to develop with very thin shells, breaking before the chick could develop. Today, because of conservation and the efforts of the birding communities, these falcons are increasing in numbers and are found throughout cities and waterways.
Distinctions; Male and female are similar, female larger of the two. Blue to grayish blue back, dark head, dark feathers extending down sides of neck, representing moustaches, long pointed wings, checkered beneath, white upper breast, with thin dark barring below, double toothed identifying it a member of the falcon family. Able to soar, strong and rapid wing beats, extending from high over body to equally far below body. Juvenile similar to parents, except browner, with bolder streaking on its breast.
Voice; Similar to other hawks' cries, sounds like kack-kack-kack.
Nesting; Three to four cream-coloured eggs, with brown marking, one brood per year. Nest built on high ledges of cliffs, tall buildings, bridges or man-made towers, most likely near a source of water. Nest shaped out with small amount of materials.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of North American Falcons
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" 40.6cm | 41" 104.1cm | 1.6lb. 725.8g | Falconidae | Falco peregrinus |
North American Birds Calls
- Click here to hear Choice 1
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution; Summer breeding range is across the arctic, from Northern Quebec to Western Alaska. Breeds along the Pacific coastlines from Alaska to California. Throughout the Rocky Mountains into Mexico. Common breeder in many cities in the eastern regions. Seen along all the eastern coastlines, from Newfoundland, south to Florida, west to Texas.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.