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| Peregrine falcon by Kelly Thurgood. |
Published Oct 11, 2010 09:31AM
Updated Oct 10, 2010 04:21PM
Falco peregrinus
The peregrine falcon, one of the most powerful birds of prey and fastest of birds, is a modern-day success story.
It can reach speeds of 200 mph in a stoop when pursuing prey. It was almost lost through poisoning with DDT. The populations crashed from the 1950s to the 1970s and it was declared an endangered species. DDT was banned and rehabilitation work began through the Peregrine Fund.
Peregrines and other birds of prey have recovered since. It was removed from the endangered species list in 1999.
Peregrines reside throughout Utah and have been using nesting boxes erected on the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City and other locations along Great Salt Lake wetlands. Tall skyscrapers and other structures, such as bridges, represent the cliff faces the falcons would normally use along the Wasatch Front. Rock pigeons in cities provide an ample food source.
The peregrine was once named duck hawk, and it hunts waterfowl along the Great Salt Lake wetlands.
The peregrine has a distinctive black mustache mark on the face. It has very long and pointed wings. It weighs between 19 and 56 ounces. Females are larger than males, a characteristic common with birds of prey.
The name “peregrine” means wanderer. It is one of the world’s most widespread birds and is found on all continents except Antarctica.
The female lays two to six eggs that are incubated up to 32 days, primarily by the female. The semialtricial young stay in the nest up to 42 days. They are fed by both sexes.
Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center, www.wildbird.com/layton, author of Backyard Birds of Utah and a member of the Utah Wildlife Board. The Wild Bird Center is holding an anniversary party Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Live eagles, peregrine falcons, hawks and owls will be on display.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/outdoors/50387793-117/peregrine-birds-bird-prey.html.csp
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