The Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine falcon (falco peregrinus) is also popularly called the Duck hawk, since ducks often make up a significant share of its diet. The word "peregrine" of course means "traveling" or "wandering". To the purist, only the larger female is called a "falcon"; the male is called a "tiercel".
As a falcon, they have long pointed wings, quite different than the other two major types of raptors - the broad wing or soaring buteo and the short wing accipiter found in or near the forest. The Peregrine is a large falcon with a length of about 15 inches and wingspan of about 40 inches. Its size is similar to a crow, but its personality, coloration and flight characteristics could not be more different. The Peregrine has always been fascinating to both the public and experienced birders because it is a raptor and it is very, very fast. In fact, it is the fastest creature on Earth, achieving almost 200 miles per hour when diving at its prey - invariably another bird in flight. It is one of the most prized raptors in falconry (hunting with birds).
In the wild, they nest on ledges on steep cliff faces. The Peregrine lives about 13 years. A male will make complex courtship flights for his mate. In mid-May, females usually lay four eggs. Both adults help incubate the eggs, which hatch in mid-June. The young birds begin to fly 35 to 45 days later. Due to their inexperience in flying and hunting, over 60 percent will die before the next spring.
 Over recent years, the Peregrine falcon acquired almost a cult following. This can be quickly observed by even a cursory internet search. The reasons for this go beyond just the historical reasons for high interest in the bird. First, it has been highly vulnerable to pesticides, particularly DDT, which leaves many raptors incapable of reproducing. The Peregrine faced extinction in the 1960s. The public took notice and promoted protective measures. Since the pesticides in question have been largely banned in North America, the Peregrine has resurged in many areas and was removed from the Endangered Species List in the U.S. in 1999. However, it is still considered threatened.
Another reason for the special interest is that the Peregrine has been remarkably adaptable. It has taken up nesting in many urban areas, particularly on skyscrapers and high bridges. This has given many people an extraordinary opportunity to see the Peregrine where they live and work. The public has vigorously protected urban Peregrine nests and closely follows nesting behavior. One can even locate a number of "live feeds" on the internet which show such nesting activity.
While its numbers are increasing, the Peregrine falcon is still found in limited areas of the U.S. today, the Pacific Northwest being one of them. At least one active nest can be seen in the support structure of a bridge in Portland, Oregon, not far from Peregrine Power LLC. It is difficult to estimate precisely how much of the U.S is home to the Peregrine or how much will be its home in the future.
Dallas A. Marckx
27350 SW 95th Avenue, Suite 3022
Wilsonville, OR 97070
503.682.7001
503.682.6014 fax
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