The Peregrine Falcon is generally considered as one of the fastest birds in the world, reaching speeds
of nearly 200 miles per hour when diving after prey. They can be found
throughout much of the world, but are usually uncommon. Exposure to DDT
and similar pesticides resulted in a severe decline in North America by
1970. They are listed as "endangered" in the state of South
Dakota.
Habitat: Can be found in a
very wide variety of habitats, where ever suitable nest sites are
available. Is more common near water, especially along coastlines.
Diet: Primarily feeds on birds.
Often feeds on ducks, geese, and shorebirds near water. Those adapted to
city life (including those reintroduced to specially built nesting platforms on
tall buildings) often feed nearly exclusively on Pigeons.
They will also occasionally eat small mammals or large insects.
Behavior: Spectacular hunter, often flying very
high, and then diving at extreme speed to strike prey in mid-air. They
will also sometimes hunt from a perch, or while flying low over the ground.
Paired birds may mate for life.
Nesting: May through July
Breeding Map: Only a pair of nesting records from
South Dakota, one from 1925 in Harding County, and one from 1945 in
Pennington County.
Song: Usually silent, but will make a loud kyaah-kyaah
when disturbed near its nest.
Migration: Permanent resident
throughout much of the western United States and the western Canada coast.
Birds summering throughout Canada, Alaska, and the Great Lakes region migrate
south in the fall, with some going all the way to South America.
Status: Reproduction failure due to pesticide
exposure caused a rapid and severe decline by 1970. Still uncommon
throughout most of its former range, reintroduction programs and natural
reproduction are resulting in slowly increasing numbers (and range).
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Peregrine Falcon"
3)
eNature.com: Peregrine Falcon
Photo Information: April 21st, 2003 -- Stone Lake
in NE Sully County -- Doug Backlund
