Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Place observed
Miller Marsh, Tylee Marsh and former golf course aera
Description
The Peregrine Falcon is a large bird of prey (approx. 38 to 54 cm). It is recognized as the world's fastest diving bird and is distinguished by its pointed wings in flight, in addition to its broad black sideburns. The color of its plumage varies from subspecies to subspecies, and when stationary, the tips of its wings meet the tip of its tail. Also, as with most birds of prey, the female is larger than the male.
Habitat
The Peregrine Falcon frequents all continents except Antarctica. However, it avoids tropical or frozen areas and the heart of deserts. Individuals of this species living in our northern latitudes are migratory, and can cover up to 500 km in a single day. In Rosemère, it has been observed at Marais Miller, Tylee Marsh and the former golf course.
In North America, it usually nests on steep cliffs or slopes. It is also increasingly seen in cities, where it takes advantage of high-rise buildings for shelter and pigeons for food.
Diet
Its sharp vision, even in twilight, makes it an excellent dawn and dusk hunter. It feeds mainly on birds captured in flight, but can also prey on small land animals, depending on the individual.
Status and threats
In the past, the Peregrine suffered greatly from DDT, a pesticide used in agriculture, which was ingested by the falcon's prey in the food chain. This drastically thinned the shells of its eggs, making them too fragile for incubation. Fortunately, this pesticide has been banned or heavily regulated worldwide since the early 1970s, and drastic measures to protect and reintroduce the species have helped to boost its population, which has been increasing since the early 2000s.
However, it is still considered a vulnerable species in Canada by NatureServe. Its population faces constant threats, such as the destruction of its habitats or those of its prey, and the disturbance of its nests.
Sources
