![]() ![]() The peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in). Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia It has also been used as a religious, royal, or national symbol across multiple eras and areas of human civilization.įalco peregrinus. It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large. The peregrine falcon is a well-respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and availability via captive breeding. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. Īlthough its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will sometimes hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated. The two species' divergence is relatively recent, during the time of the last ice age, therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies, which vary in appearance and range disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus, or is a separate species, F. Both the English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon", referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. ![]() The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area is not always naturally occurring, but one widely introduced by humans, the rock pigeon, which in turn now supports many peregrine populations as a prey species. This makes it the world's most widespread raptor, and one of the most widely found bird species. It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions, very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests the only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand. The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. According to a National Geographic TV program, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph). It can reach over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head. SpeciesĪdditional information about the status of raptors in South Carolina can be found at the SC State Wildlife Action Plan website.The peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus), also known simply as the peregrine, and historically as the duck hawk in North America, is a cosmopolitan bird of prey ( raptor) in the family Falconidae. ![]() Conservation status from SC State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP 2015). Raptor species of conservation concern in South Carolina. The order Strigiformes is composed of owls which are adapted to hunt primarily at night. Falconiformes birds are daytime predators. The order Falconiformes is comprised of falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures and related birds of prey. Raptors consist of two taxonomic orders of birds. Some raptors hunt for and consume live animals while others scavenge carrion. Raptors are called birds of prey because they hunt for their food. Raptors, or birds of prey, can be distinguished from other birds by three characteristics: strong grasping feet equipped with sharp talons, a hooked upper beak and keen vision. ![]()
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