Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Class: Aves Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae Genus: Falco Species: peregrinus

The peregrine falcon is an amazing bird of prey found on all world continents except Antarctica. With its bluish/gray upper parts, cream-colored under parts, and dark head pattern, this species is very easy to identify, even from a distance. These birds are powerful and streamlined, and are the world's fastest flyers, diving at speeds of more than 200mph.

There are three subspecies of the Peregrine falcon in North America, all of which look very similar. They all, however, have the characteristic dark “mustache” or “sideburns”. All wild populations of peregrines, however, are still recovering from the heavy use of DDT and other pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s. The reproductive cycle of many birds was disrupted by these pesticides, which accumulate in the fat of animals and are passed from prey to predator. Birds of prey, which are top consumers, are especially vulnerable to these toxic substances. Weakening of the shells and damage to embryos caused by DDT and other pesticides resulted in very low birth rates.  Eagles and hawks were also profoundly affected by chemical overuse.  DDT is banned in the United States, but it is still used in parts of Latin and South America, where the peregrine and other migratory birds may still experience the wrath of these dangerous substances.