Common Name:
Peregrine falcon
Scientific Name:
Falco peregrinus
Unique Qualities:
Peregrine falcons are skinny birds with a small head and long, thin pointed wings. They are about the same size as crows. They have large strong feet and a powerful beak that is useful when hunting. They can live up to 13 years.
Can be Seen:
The Latin name "peregrinus" means "wandering" or "coming from foreign parts." Peregrine falcons can be found worldwide, seen on every continent except Antarctica. In Canada specifically, many of them are found in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, and also in the southern parts of all provinces.
Likes to Hang Out:
Peregrine falcons like to hang out near wetlands and they make their nesting sites on scrapes made on cliff ledges or steep cliffs. They like open habitats such as the coasts, mountain meadows, the savanna and the tundra.
Likes to Eat:
Peregrines can reach speeds up to 320 km/h in a downward dive. They use their speed and agility to catch birds in mid-air! Their prey range in size from sparrows to large birds such as ducks.
Status:
Peregrine falcons are endangered all throughout Canada because of pesticides. Scientists have set up populations in southern Canada by captive-breeding the falcons to make sure that they do not die out.
Find Out More @:
