Peregrine Falcons were disappearing but have made a dramatic recovery and can be seen perched or nesting on tall buildings in urban areas. They are also found in open areas, often near water, and especially along the coast.
In summer, Peregrine Falcons are found in Alaska and Canada north of the treeline, in the western mountain region from Idaho and Montana south to Colorado and New Mexico, and in various urban areas. They migrate to the coast from Texas to North Carolina in winter and are also found year-round on the west coast from Alaska to California and inland in Arizona, around the Great Lakes, and in the northwestern USA from Pennsylvania to Maine.
Peregrine Falcons are a medium-sized bird (14-19 in) with long pointed wings (3-3.5 ft wingspan) and tail. They have a blue-gray back, a cream-colored chest with dark markings, and bright yellow feet and legs. Dark feathers on the head and sides of the neck look like a helmet.
Peregrine Falcons sit on high perches making swift, steep dives to catch their prey - ducks and shorebirds or pigeons in the cities.
Could it be? Prairie Falcons are only found in the West. They are brown with a paler breast and dark patches under their wings. Merlins are smaller, lack the dark helmet, and target smaller birds.
Did you know? Peregrine Falcons may be the fastest bird in the world reaching speeds of up to 238 mph when diving after prey.
See Also: Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Merlin, Osprey, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Swainson's Hawk
