Peregrine Falcon
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The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is probably the most recognized falcon in the United States, if not by sight, then at least by name.
By dint of its tendency to live in populated urban environments such as New York city, many urbanites see them in person or see, hear and read stories about them on their local media. The New York Department of Environmental Protection reports, "Today, Peregrine Falcons are making a comeback in New York City. We currently know of 16 falcon couples, or 32 falcons total, that live year-round in unique places throughout the City such as on top of bridges, church steeples and high-rise buildings."
By name, many people also associate the Peregrine Falcon with the American Bald Eagle because of the dramatic population declines experienced by both species in the 1960s due to the widespread use of DDT. By 1970 it was listed as an endangered species.
The subsequent ban on the use of DDT, along with a large scale captive breeding program has helped restore the population to healthy levels. The falcon was removed from the endangered species list in 1999.
Today there are city falcons, coastal falcons and mountain falcons. In order to ensure the current population remains healthy, formal monitoring will continue until year end 2015.
© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels