Peregrine+Falcon

Peregrine Falcon Jordan Springer
 * The peregrine falcon is commonly known for its speed, which, in fact, is actually the fastest of any animal at about 155 miles per hour. In addition, the peregrine falcon is a very interesting animal. It has 19 subspecies in all, the most common in Africa being the //Falco peregrinus minor,// which is smaller and darker than the original //Falco peregrinus.// The base animal is a large animal with gray feathers on its head and wings. Its breast is a plain white, while the rest of its front and underside features spots of the same gray as the wings on a white base. However, the peregrine falcon has a reddish coloring on the underside of its tail feathers. The legs, back of the beak, and skin around the eyes are colored bright yellow. The front of the peregrine falcon’s beak is navy blue. Interestingly enough, female peregrine falcons are about 20% larger than males. Usually found by themselves or in breeding pairs, peregrine falcon pairs maintain a breeding area. The nests they use are often in secluded or safe areas, usually above ground level. Oddly, they don’t actually use physical nests, but rather scrapes about 9 inches in diameter and two inches deep. Once laid, their eggs, laid in clutches of 2 to 5, take about 29 to 33 days to hatch. The juveniles begin to fly at 35 to 42 days, but still depend on the parents for several months. At first, the male hunts while the female stays with the chicks, but once the chicks age a bit she joins her partner hunting. Peregrine falcons become sexually mature after about two years. **
 * The peregrine falcon’s hunting is quite a spectacular sight. They begin this at a high altitude, either flying or sitting atop a high perch. They then enter a “stoop” or drop on their prey with their wings closed. Once they arrive at their target, they bite the neck, instantly killing their prey. Peregrine falcons eat many things, mostly birds of varying sizes. They will also eat bats or steal prey from other animals. In turn, they are hunted by larger birds of prey, including other falcons. Breeding pairs usually hunt together. Peregrine falcons live on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. **
 * They are also known to migrate long distances south during the winter, as their name means “wanderer.” Although they can be found in many habitats, they prefer open areas, urban areas, and shorelines. The peregrine falcon faces many problems today, though they maintain a steady population. A major problem in the middle to late 1900s was the use of pesticides. These chemicals would lead to reproductive problems for the species, including the thinning of eggs shells as well as death. Luckily, these substances were banned in the 70s and 80s and the peregrine falcon has since made a comeback and was removed from the endangered species list. Current problems are poaching and egg collecting. Despite these, the peregrine falcon is not endangered and is of “least concern.” **