![]() Some nesting sites have been in continuous use for hundreds of years, occupied by successive generations of falcons. Yet they have an incredible homing instinct that leads them back to favored aeries. Those that nest on Arctic tundra and winter in South America fly as many as 15,500 miles in a year. These birds may travel widely outside the nesting season-their name means "wanderer." Though some individuals are permanent residents, many migrate. Peregrines are even known to live on bridges and skyscrapers in major cities. They prefer wide-open spaces, and thrive near coasts where shorebirds are common, but they can be found everywhere from tundra to deserts. Peregrine falcons are among the world's most common birds of prey and live on all continents except Antarctica. Peregrines hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive that can top 200 miles an hour. Running, hopping, or flapping on the ground are all attack modes used when the bird is pursuing prey on foot.These falcons are formidable hunters that prey on other birds (and bats) in mid-flight. Occasionally, a peregrine will fly into a flock of birds hoping one will panic and break away from the group - this is called shepherding. In this mode, the predator flies swiftly upward to intercept its prey. If the falcon is flying below a potential kill, ringing up is the attack form used. In this mode, peregrines use the landscape to obscure themselves as they pursue another bird. Contour hugging, a form of direct pursuit, may be used if a falcon is trying to surprise its prey. Stooping is the most common form of attack involving the falcon diving quickly from above their potential prey.ĭirect pursuit typically follows stooping if the prey gets out ahead of the falcon. These are often referred to as direct pursuit, shepherding, stooping, ringing up, contour-hugging, running/hopping, or flapping on the ground. The peregrine falcon has several attack modes. Occasionally they will also hunt on foot. Peregrines like to overlook open air-space where other birds fly. Frequent perches include trees, telephone poles, cliff edges, or high mounds. Peregrine falcons commonly hunt from a perched position or while flying. We will dive deeper into these details in the following article! ![]() Habitat, region, and season play a role in determining what a falcon is eating. Seldomly these birds will eat insects and, even more rarely, carrion.Ī peregrine falcons diet varies greatly in the wild. They are also known to catch small mammals such as bats or rats. Pigeons and waterfowl are among the peregrine’s favorite meals. Peregrine falcons primarily eat other birds - ranging in size from small songbirds to geese. They can catch prey in the air as well as on the ground. Their speed and agility make these birds extremely adept hunters. Peregrines also have one of the fastest flying speeds, known to reach up to 200 miles per hour. Though on the smaller side, they can kill animals sizably larger than they are. Peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus) are extraordinary birds of prey. How does a Peregrine Falcon kill its prey?.What do Peregrine Falcons eat in the summer?.What do Peregrine Falcons eat in the winter?.What do Peregrine Falcons eat in the wild?.
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