Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

This spectacular falcon was once one of America's most seriously endangered species. It suffered an alarming drop in numbers during the 1950s and 1960s. This turned out to be caused by pesticides that made the birds' eggshells so thin, they couldn't sit on their eggs without breaking them. After an intensive program of rearing birds in captivity and releasing them in the wild, this large falcon is again found in areas from which it disappeared a few decades ago. A favorite nesting site nowadays is a tall building or bridge in a city; these urban Peregrines feed mainly on pigeons.

Look For : Pointed wings and black head and cheeks. Saved from extinction by a ban on particular pesticides.

Length : 15-21".

Habitat : Open country, cities.

Range : Coastlines and mountains.