Endangered throughout Canada. Populations in southern Canada were established with captive-bred young and remain small. Twenty years ago there were no breeding pairs in southern Alberta. Now there are 30 pairs across the province.
Species Appearance
Slim birds with a small head and long, thin, pointed wings. Similar in size to crows.
Species Preferred Food
Peregrines can reach speeds close 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 waterfowl such as ducks.
Risks to the Species
Agricultural and industrial use of pesticides has caused a worldwide decline of peregrine falcons. Pesticide use is closely regulated in Canada and the U.S. but not in Latin America where peregrines winter.
Pesticide residues remain in the environment for many years. They're picked up by a variety of animals, then passed on up the food chain to birds of prey. The residues collect in the birds' fat and eventually interfere with reproduction, causing thin eggshells and dead embryos.
In Alberta, they nest on ledges on steep cliff faces or high office towers. A male will fly complex courtship flights for his mate. In mid-May females usually lay four eggs. Both adults help incubate the eggs which hatch in mid-June. The young birds begin to fly
35-45 days later. Due to their inexperience flying and hunting, over 60 per cent will die before the next spring.
Species Lifespan
Up to 13 years.
A falcon named Arrow nested and bred in Edmonton's Tower for 11 years.
