Falco peregrinus
Description:
Body - 34-58cm
Wingspan - 80 - 120cm
Weight - Female 910-1500g
Male 440 - 750g
Like many raptors Peregrine Falcons exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism with the female being up to 30 percent larger than the male. They do have similiar plumage coloration with a striped/speckled front and a darker gray/brown back.
Although the pair that I observed had some type of small rodent like prey, typical prey for peregrine falcons is medium sized birds. They take prey in a mid-air attack called stooping during which they have been recorded at speeds of over 200mph. They will prey on rodents and occasionally insects as conditions require. Peregrine flacons have also developed an adaptation to allow for breathing during high speed dives as the force of air into the birds nostrils during a 200mph dive would be enough to rupture the birds lungs if not for a bony protusion called a tubercle that prevents pressure increase in the birds lungs.
They prefer nesting sites or "scrapes" on rocky cliffs. They range worldwide from tundra to tropics and may or may not migrate depending on availability of prey and ability to survive harsh weather conditions. In the 1950's DDT posed a threat and
In this case it is likely that a smaller Pika presented an easy target and an opportunity for a good sized meal.
Description:
Body - 34-58cm
Wingspan - 80 - 120cm
Weight - Female 910-1500g
Male 440 - 750g
Like many raptors Peregrine Falcons exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism with the female being up to 30 percent larger than the male. They do have similiar plumage coloration with a striped/speckled front and a darker gray/brown back.
Although the pair that I observed had some type of small rodent like prey, typical prey for peregrine falcons is medium sized birds. They take prey in a mid-air attack called stooping during which they have been recorded at speeds of over 200mph. They will prey on rodents and occasionally insects as conditions require. Peregrine flacons have also developed an adaptation to allow for breathing during high speed dives as the force of air into the birds nostrils during a 200mph dive would be enough to rupture the birds lungs if not for a bony protusion called a tubercle that prevents pressure increase in the birds lungs.
They prefer nesting sites or "scrapes" on rocky cliffs. They range worldwide from tundra to tropics and may or may not migrate depending on availability of prey and ability to survive harsh weather conditions. In the 1950's DDT posed a threat and
In this case it is likely that a smaller Pika presented an easy target and an opportunity for a good sized meal.
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