Bird Tales

The Perigrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal ever known to have existed on this planet. During a dive, air speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour have been reliably measured. Since the Peregrine Falcon's diet is primarily other birds, this incredible speed is necessary for the falcon's survival. With a wing span of 35 to 43 inches and a body length of 16 to 20 inches, the Peregrine's entire body is exquisitely designed to achieve ultimate velocity.

Unfortunately, the Peregrine Falcon has been an oracle of environmental health. With the introduction of persistent pesticides (e.g. chlorinated hydrocarbons such as DDT) into the environment during the 1940's, the Peregrine Falcon population began to plummet. Peregrine's were almost extinct by the late 1960's and DDT was banned in the U.S.A. in 1972. These persistent pesticides were outlawed because they bioaccumulate and become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. Reproductive failure occurs among the predatory birds at the top of the food chain because these pesticides cause egg shell thinning. During incubation these eggs break open and reproduction fails.

The Endangered Species Act became law in 1973 and the Peregrine Falcon was immediately covered. Thanks to prompt action by the Peregrine Fund and other organizations, the Peregrine population has been recovering. Due to the success of captive breeding programs initiated by these organizations, dozens of breeding pairs of Peregrines have been successfully introduced into the wild. Although few people have ever seen a Peregrine in the wild, it is now possible to view these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Peregrines prefer to nest on cliff ledges, or their modern equivalents - skyscrapers and bridges. To witness the spectacular aerobatics and high speed chases of these rare birds is an unforgettable experience.