General Information

Before World War II, the estimated number of breeding pairs of peregrine falcons was between 350 and 400 in the eastern United States. However, due to predators, human disturbance, and pesticides, their populations began to decline. After World War II, the peregrine population was thought to be extinct in the eastern U.S. Populations still remained in the West but were declining quickly. In the 1970s, DDT, an insecticide and large contributor to peregrine decline, was banned in the U.S. With the banning of this chemical, along with a Peregrine Recovery Plan established by the government, peregrine numbers were soon on the rise. 
 
Peregrine falcons did not historically nest in Ohio. However, a pair was spotted nesting on a building in downtown Toledo in 1988. This inspired the state to get involved with the Midwest Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project, which aimed to restore peregrine populations in the Midwest. Ohio released 46 peregrine falcons in Akron, Cincinnati, and Columbus between 1989 and 1993. The project was quite successful, and since then, peregrines have established nests in these cities as well as many others. There are currently more than 40 peregrine falcon nesting sites in the state of Ohio.
 
Peregrine falcons are well known for their amazing flight abilities. Because much of their diet consists of other birds, they have to be skilled at capturing prey mid-flight. When diving for prey, they can reach speeds of more than 200 mph—faster than any other species of bird. Even when not hunting, these falcons fly between 40 and 60 mph, which is faster than most other bird species. During high-speed dives, peregrine falcons' lungs are very sensitive to pressure changes. They have structures inside their nostrils called bony tubercles that expand and contract to allow them to breathe during these drastic changes. They also have a clear third eyelid called a nictitating membrane, which keeps debris out of their eyes while still allowing them to see.

Meet Our Peregrine Falcons

Endeavor the peregrine falcon lives in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Lifespan

Wild:  7–12 years 
Captivity:  12–20 years
 

Fun Facts

• Peregrine falcons have notched beaks that are unique to the species. The tooth-like structure along the beak allows the falcon to sever the spinal column of an animal, killing it instantly.
• Peregrine falcons prefer to live in open areas where they are frequently exposed to the Sun. The black markings on their faces help prevent sunlight from reflecting into their eyes, much like the black markings that football and baseball players put underneath their eyes when they are out on the field.
• The diet of a peregrine falcon is composed almost entirely of other birds, including but not limited to doves, pigeons, quail, and gulls.
• To catch prey, peregrine falcons will ball up their talons and knock a bird out of the air, which stuns it and causes it to free-fall to the ground for easy capture.