FalconWatch

Peregrine Falcon Facts

While we wait for Zeus and Hera to begin nesting, here are a few more peregrine falcon facts to think about.

The name "peregrine" means wanderer, and the peregrine falcon has one of the longest migrations of any North American bird. Falcons winter in South America, and may move 5,500 miles in a year. However, many urban falcons – like Zeus and Hera – no longer migrate to South America for the winter. Instead, they stay at their nest all year round. This is because the food is plentiful and its easier to protect their territory.

The Peregrine Falcon is a very fast flier, averaging 25-34 miles per hour (mph) in traveling flight, and reaching speeds up to 69 mph in direct pursuit of prey. These birds will hunt from heights of more than a half mile, then dive toward its prey at speeds of nearly 200 mph.

Check back for the latest news on the Woodmen Tower Falcons Zeus and Hera.

Pick a Nest - Any Nest

This morning finds the Zeus and Hera on the East ledge of the Woodmen Tower trying to keep warm. Last night the temperature dipped to -7°F and today's high temperature is expected to be 5°F.

Both falcons have started to hang around the nest more as they begin their annual shell game of picking a nest lay their clutch of eggs. The Woodmen Tower has nest boxes on both the North and East sides of the 28th floor. In 2009, the peregrines used the East nest. Last year, they selected the North nest at the last minute. So, history says they should be back in the East nest for 2011.

Peregrine falcons prefer to nest on cliffs which makes the tall buildings of cities perfect for nesting. A nest site, called an eyrie, consists of a shallow scrape that holds from 2 to 6 eggs.

So, which nest will it be this year? Only Zeus and Hera know.

More Snow, More Peregrine Falcon Facts

Here are more peregrine falcon facts for you to digest on yet another snowy day.

• A peregrine falcon's diet consists of medium-sized birds, like pigeons and starlings, that are abundant in cities. Occasionally, they will also eat small mammels, reptiles or insects. They usually dive and catch their prey in mid-air.
• There are 2,000 to 3,000 breeding pairs in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
• The peregrine is found on every continent except Antarctica. It can survive in a wide variety of habitats including cities, deserts, the tropics and the tundra. Some migrate long distances from winter homes to their summer nesting areas. Others, like Zeus and Hera, stay in their nesting area year round.
• Peregrine Falcons have adapted to living in many cities and make use of tall buildings that provide suitable ledges for nesting.
• Peregrines have few natural predators.