Wildlife Spotlight: Peregrine Falcon
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Peregrine Falcon
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Agility, speed, power - these are fitting adjectives describing the
flight of the peregrine falcon, the world's fastest bird. This skillful
hunter, famous for its ability to snatch birds right out of the sky, has
awed many a bird watcher fortunate enough to witness its stooping
flight- the term used to describe this bird's steep downward plunge,
with wings partially closed, at speeds that can exceed 150 mph. Such
deadly stealth is effective on doves, shorebirds and ducks, the
peregrine's favorite prey.
Just as spectacular has been the peregrine's comeback from severe
population declines resulting from the widespread use, beginning in the
1940s, of pesticides such as DDT. At one point, the species was no
longer found east of the Mississippi, and populations in the west had
declined by as much as 90 percent. Currently, only the subspecies Artic
peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species.
Peregrine falcons don't breed in Florida, but like many northern
breeders, some spend the winter here. They are regularly spotted during
spring and fall migrations as they move between northern breeding
grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America. A good place
to watch for them in fall or winter is over open terrain, particularly
coastal shorelines and wetlands.
As your eyes scan the skies for interesting birds, the peregrine
falcon will be distinguished by its typical falcon silhouette - long,
pointed wings and long thin tail - and by the dark feathers on its head
and nape, which resemble a hood or helmet. A distinctive black wedge
extends below the eye.
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