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Falco peregrinus anatum
The Peregrine Falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 centimetres (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 centimetres (29–47 in). The male and female have similar markings and plumage, but as in many birds of prey the Peregrine Falcon displays marked reverse sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male. Males weigh 424 to 750 grams (0.93–1.7 lb) and the noticeably larger females weigh 910 to 1,500 grams (2.0–3.3 lb); for variation in weight between subspecies, see below. The standard linear measurements of Peregrines are: the wing chord measures 26.5–39 cm (10.4–15 in), the tail measures 13–19 cm (5.1–7.5 in) and the tarsus measures 4.5 to 5.6 cm (1.8 to 2.2 in). The back and the long pointed wings of the adult are usually bluish black to slate grey with indistinct darker barring (see "Subspecies" below); the wingtips are black. The white to rusty underparts are barred with thin clean bands of dark brown or black. The tail, coloured like the back but with thin clean bars, is long, narrow, and rounded at the end with a black tip and a white band at the very end. The top of the head and a "moustache" along the cheeks are black, contrasting sharply with the pale sides of the neck and white throat.[18] The cere is yellow, as are the feet, and the beak and claws are black.[19] The upper beak is notched near the tip, an adaptation which enables falcons to kill prey by severing the spinal column at the neck.[4][5][6] The immature bird is much browner with streaked, rather than barred, underparts, and has a pale bluish cere and orbital ring.
Nearly decimated in the 1970's by widespread use of the pesticide DDT, the peregrine falcon is making a slow comeback as a federally protected endangered species. A relative of the eagle, peregrines are crow-sized birds of prey known especially for their swift and agile flight. One of the world's fastest birds, these adept hunters take their prey in flight; the peregrine's long, slender wings can propel it to speeds up to 200 miles per hour when diving in pursuit of prey. Peregrine falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica, enjoying the widest range of all bird species. During April, May, October, and November, peregrine falcons migrate along the Central Flyway from Canada to the Texas coast; there, the falcons spend several weeks resting and feeding in preparation for flight further south along the coast. Songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and seabirds comprise the peregrine falcon's diet. Peregrines usually hunt in open areas with cliffs or other high vantage points above rivers and coasts. Occasionally, peregrines may nest on bridges and buildings as well. Peregrines measure sixteen to twenty inches long, with a wingspan up to forty-six inches. Characterized by a black head with a white neck patch and throat, a blue-gray back, and a pale white underside marked with black bars, the peregrine is a distinctive sight. Male and female peregrine falcons are identical in appearance, although the female is slightly larger. Two good locations to observe peregrine falcons in Texas are Matagorda Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore. The falcons are often seen hunting above the dunes.
Found at Choke Canyon, Three Rivers, Texas.
17 Comments
Photo No. 1: is a beautiful photo....
Thank you Stian Waaler! They were posing for me that day.
Fantastic pictures Dixie!
Thank you EnvUnlimited.
Thank you Ashley. This one was kind enough to pose for me!
Beautiful! Still waiting to find my first one :)
Thank you Ricardo!
Extraordinary,perfect!!
Thank you Jack! I love 'em too.
Love these birds! I have a falconer friend with a peregrine crossed with a gyrfalcon!
Thank you Jakubko!
Awesome series, Dixie!
Thank you key_man. They are amazing!
An amazing bird, seen a one stoop a couple time and take another bird mid-air, amazing to watch.
Thanks Env! They are cool, aren't they. This one was on the same tree as an Osprey.
Thank you Elsa!
What a stunning raptor! Great pictures :)