PEREGRINE FALCON

Photo by Bob Gress
Used by permission

Federal Status:
None

State Status:
Endangered

• Range:
  Dark Blue = Counties with designated critical habitat
  Light Blue = Historical records
• Comments: The peregrine falcon has been prized within the sport of falconry by nobility of Persia, Egypt and China for more than 3,000 years. This bird of prey has a global distribution. Since the pesticide DDT was banned in 1974, the peregrine falcon has staged a comeback. The Department of Interior removed it from the federal threatened species list in 1999. Peregrine falcons were reintroduced in the upper Midwest where they now nest on tall buildings. The Peregrine Fund reports over 4,000 birds were released in the United States during a 25-year period. A nesting site (eyrie) in Des Moines, Iowa fledged 27 young between 1991 and 2003. An eyrie was established in Topeka that fledged 4 young and a peregrine pair attempted but failed to reproduce in 2004. The peregrine falcon feeds on other birds and is famous for its high-speed dives (called stoops). The stoop culminates in a deadly mid-air collision between the clenched talons of the peregrine falcon and its intended victim.
• More information on Peregrine Falcons may be found in the Raptor's Roost!

Other Birds on the Kansas T&E List