Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

What They Look Like

The Peregrin Falcon has a bluish-gray back, barred belly, white bib, and wide dark sideburns on each side of its face.  At 16 inches tall it is a larger falcon with a wingspan of 37-46 inches.

  

Where They Live

In Michigan there are now nine nesting pairs of Peregrin Falcon.  They prefer open country near cliffs in urban areas and on the coast, and the nest is made on a cliff ledge 50-200 feet high.

What They Eat

The Peregrin Falcon primarily catches birds on the wing to eat, but they will also eat some insects.

Things to Know

At one time the Peregrin Falcon was completely gone in Michigan, but reintroduction of the species has been successful in that there are now ten successfully breeding pairs in Michigan today.  They are still listed as and endangered species, but they are doing very well in cities.  There are now nine nesting pairs in Michigan.  Five pairs are in the southeast region, one is in Lansing, and three are in the Upper Peninsula and there have been sightings in Grand Haven.

Why We Have One

The MUCC peregrine falcon was donated to the program in the summer of 2006.  She was born in captivity for use in falconry.  A serious foot injury led to the amputation of one of her toes.  With this injury she is no longer able to hunt but now spends her time educating Michigan citizens.