The peregrine falcon is classified as At Risk in Alberta with only 50 to 60 breeding pairs across the province. Populations have recovered somewhat thanks to declining pesticide residue in their food.

Peregrines are the fastest birds, diving at over 300 km/h.

Appearance

Wingspan is 74-120 cm.

Approximately 45 cm long.

Slim bodies, relatively large heads and long, thin, pointed wings that almost reach the tip of their tails while at rest.

Small, sharp projection behind hooked tip of upper bill.

Heavy black moustache patch and dark crown, neck and face. Back, wings and tail are grey-blue. Throat and upper breast are white.

Habitat

Migrate from South America north to as far as Alaska and Baffin Island.

Prefer areas of riparian or marsh habitats but will certainly nest on buildings and other man-made structures in urban areas.

Food

Has a wide diet including gulls, small songbirds, small rodents, insects and pigeons.

Timeline

Arrive in Alberta mid-April.

Nest and raise chicks from mid-April to late-July.

Migrate south in September and October.

Courtship

Mainly monogamous.

Meet and court (mutual roosting, cooperative hunting excursions, courtship flights and feeding).

Breeding

Birds return to the same area (often the same nest).

Nests are often a shallow scrape in dirt or sand.

They lay three to six eggs each year.

Both parents egg-sit; mostly it’s the female while the male hunts to feed her.

Lifespan