Peregrine Falcon Flashcards
What is the peregrine falcon’s scientific name?
Falco peregrinus
What is the wingspan of the peregrine falcon?
Male: 38 inches
Female: 44 inches
How much does a peregrine falcon weigh?
Male: 1 - 1.5 pounds
Female: 1.5 - 2 pounds
Do peregrine falcons mate for life?
Usually, but re-pairings do occur.
Where do peregrine falcons nest?
Cliffs or high buildings.
What is the incubation period of a peregrine falcon?
28 days
Does the father peregrine falcon participate in incubation?
Yes.
How many offspring does the peregrine falcon usually have?
3 - 4
When do peregrine falcon fledge?
35 - 42 days
How long do peregrine falcons live?
Captivity: Up to 28 years.
Wild: Up to 20 years
Females live almost twice as long as males.
What is the habitat and range of the peregrine falcon?
It lives on every continent except Antarctica. It can be found in areas with high cliffs near water. They can also be found in cities.
What do peregrine falcons eat?
Primarily other birds. Ducks and pigeons are the preferred prey. They will also eat reptiles, small mammals, and even insects.
How fast can a peregrine falcon dive?
Over 200 mph
Do peregrine falcons migrate?
Northern individuals will go south during winter, but most are permanent residents.
What are some adaptions of the peregrine falcon?
Streamlined body: Allows for agility and speed in the air.
Keen eyesight: Can spot prey from high in the air.
Strong talons: Allow for quick and easy kills.
Hooked beak: Tears flesh with ease.
Nictating Membrane: Allows the falcon to shield its eyes when diving.
Tubercles: Holes in the beak that direct the air away from the falcon’s lungs.
What is the role of the peregrine falcon?
It keeps pest birds under control.
When were peregrine falcons removed from the list of endangered species?
1999
What has allowed for such a dramatic comeback of the peregrine falcon?
Banning of DDT and captive breeding/wild releases.
Are peregrine falcons endangered?
No, but they were once very endangered due to the pesticide DDT.
How does DDT affect raptors?
Raptors can consume mice with DDT in their system. The DDT makes them unable to produce stable eggshells.
What does the name of the peregrine falcon mean?
Wandering falcon.
How many different species have been recorded being killed by peregrine falcons?
Over 2,000
How do peregrine falcons gain mates?
Aerial acrobatic shows.
When are peregrine falcons sexually mature?
Two years old.
How long have peregrine falcons been used in falconry?
Over 3,000 years
In medieval Europe, who was the peregrine falcon reserved for?
The prince.
What did Native Americans say peregrine falcons symbolized?
Celestial power.
What city has the peregrine falcon as its official bird?
Chicago.
