Falco peregrinus anatum
(Peregrine Falcon)

Physical Description:
15-21" (38-53 cm). Dark gray back; white eyebrow; white cheeks with dark "sideburns"; white neck; white and gray scaling below. Typical falcon wings are pointed; narrow tail. Immatures are brown instead of gray.

Similar Species- Gyrfalcon, Prairie Falcon, Merlin

Song:
A loud, shrill, coarse kek-kek-kek-kek-kek-kek.

Distribution:
Nearly cosmopolitan; breeds on every continent except Antarctica.

Habitat:
Found in various open situations from tundra, moorland, steppes, and seacoasts (especially where there are suitable nesting cliffs), to mountains, open forested regions, and populated areas. In Idaho, former and current nest sites are located in both mountain and desert regions, and are generally associated with bodies of water.

Diet:
Feeds primarily on birds (medium-size passerines up to small waterfowl), but will also eat (rarely or locally) small mammals, lizards, fish, and insects (eaten by young birds). In Idaho, diet consists almost entirely of birds.

Ecology
Nests on cliff or building May hunt anytime during day, but usually hunts in morning or evening. Initiates prey pursuit from perch or while soaring. May hunt up to several km from nest site. Great- horned Owl is serious nest predator in U.S. (in Idaho, Golden Eagles are also predators). Severe weather may result in high mortality in northern range. Since 1982, 288 captive- reared young have been released in Idaho. The first re-establishing pair of peregrines was discovered in 1985. As of 1995, 13 pairs of peregrines occupied territories in Idaho. In 1995, 6 occupied territories in Idaho successfully fledged an average of 2.7 young/pr.

clutch size averages 4 eggs at mid-latitudes, 3 in far north. Female incubates eggs for 32-35 days; male brings food. clutch is often replaced if lost, usually at an alternate site (brood losses are apparently caused mainly by bad weather). Young fledge at 39-49 days, gradually become independent, and breed at 2-3 yr (occasionally as yearlings). Adults form life-long pair bond.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABNKD06071
U.S. ESA Status:	E(S/)
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G4
State Rank:	S1,NTMB
National Rank:	N4B,N4N

Important State References:
Levine, E., W. Melquist, and J. Beals. 1995. Idaho peregrine falcon survey, nest monitoring, and release program, 1995. Idaho Dept. Fish & Game, Boise 25pp.