Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is renowned as the fastest bird in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 320 km/h during its hunting stoop (high-speed dive). This adaptable raptor is found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from urban areas to remote wilderness.
| 🇫🇷 | Faucon pèlerin |
| 🇩🇪 | Wanderfalke |
| 🇲🇽 | Halcón peregrino |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
How to Identify
To observe the Peregrine Falcon's distinctive features, consider using binoculars or a camera lens for a closer view. Notably, these falcons possess a prominent yellow ring around their eyes. The subspecies native to the Montreal area are characterized by their dark, bluish backs, while their breasts are white with pronounced dark bands.
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Characteristics
| Length | 34-58cm |
| Weight | 330-1500g |
| Wingspan | 74-120cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-4 eggs |
| Incubation | 32-35 days |
| Fledging | 35-42 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1-3 years |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
In the wild, I observed this bird nesting beneath a highway bridge along Saint Henri, Montreal. Peregrine Falcons can be spotted throughout all seasons although some migrate south at the end of the summer and return around March-April.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.