Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons occur across most of the world, absent mainly from extremely cold, dry Arctic regions and extensive tropical rainforests. They favor open landscapes such as coasts, tundra, grasslands, and mountains, nesting on cliffs and increasingly on tall urban buildings. Adults have long tapered wings, a short tail, blue-gray upperparts, barred pale underparts, and dark cheek stripes. They measure 36–58 centimetres, span 91–112 centimetres, and average about 907 grams, with females substantially larger than males (Animal Diversity Web).

Peregrines principally hunt other birds, capturing prey through exceptionally fast aerial pursuit and diving attacks. Pairs are monogamous across multiple breeding seasons and show strong attachment to established nest ledges. Courtship includes ledge displays, mutual preening, cooperative hunting, soaring, rolling, and steep dives. Females lay two to six eggs, usually three, in a simple scrape on a cliff, tree, or building. Incubation lasts 33–35 days, and young begin flying approximately 35–42 days after hatching (Animal Diversity Web).