By Dianna Moore
Grays Harbor Audubon Society
This isn’t the first time this bird has appeared here. It happens to be a mega-star in the bird world, so I just can’t help giving it a bit more exposure when given the opportunity. We are fortunate to host this species in our neck of the woods, and a more fascinating creature is hard to find. You want speed, the Peregrine has that in spades. Grace … definitely. Drama … oh, yeah! I took this photo of “Tim” doing what she does best, watching prey scurry around on the beach.
General Description: The Peregrine Falcon is larger than a crow and smaller than a raven with long pointed wings that extend beyond their tail when folded. Adults are slate gray above with brown barring on the white breast and a dark “helmet” on the head extending below the eyes. Immature birds are darker with lots of brown streaking. The female is larger, with both sexes measuring 14.2 to 19.3 inches in length with wing spans of 39.4 to 43.3 inches and weighing approximately 18.7 to 56.4 ounces. The local Peale’s subspecies is the largest of the world’s peregrines.
Habitat: Peregrine Falcons are found in open areas, especially along the coast or near bodies of water where prey is abundant. They breed on rocky cliffs or man-made structures and hunt from high perches there or on the sand out on the beaches where a piece of driftwood keeps them from being silhouetted against the sky.
Behavior: Known as the world’s fastest creature, the Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds over 200 mph while diving or “stooping” on prey from above. They hunt from high perches in the city or on cliffs, or from inches off the ground out on the beach, staying low to keep hidden until the last minute. They defend their territory with loud “kakking” and strafing stoops.
Diet: City-dwelling birds have nearly unlimited supplies of Rock Pigeons and Starlings, and those out on the coast have their choice of shorebirds and ducks, among others. I have seen them feeding on dead seals and even dead Sturgeon.
Nesting: Peregrine Falcons are generally monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, like most birds of prey. They also prefer to nest in the same location over the years. There is much bowing to one another during courtship. The actual nest is just a scrape with pebbles where the female lays three to four eggs and incubates them for 28 to 32 days. The male shares incubation and feeding duty with her. They continue brooding the young on the nest for a few more weeks. The young fly at about 39 to 49 days of age, with the males typically fledging first. They remain in the area, learning to hunt from their parents.
Migration: Peregrine Falcons from farther north are the long-distance migrants, often flying as far south as South America. Most Washington birds remain in the area but may move from inland locations out to the coast following migrant ducks and birds.
Conservation Status: Since the pesticide DDT was outlawed, the Peregrine Falcon has been recovering from devastating losses and was recently given a “sensitive” status rather than the previous “endangered” status. They remain an “at risk” species due to environmental contaminants and human disturbance.
When and Where to Find on Grays Harbor: The Peregrine Falcon can now be found in many places around the county, from the Chehalis River valley to the coastal beaches and cliffs. There are a few that spend most of the year hunting prey on the outer beaches in Westport and Ocean Shores, but I often see them hunting around the docks in Aberdeen and Hoquiam. Watch for shorebirds to form globes at both the coast, the sewage treatment ponds, and at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. The chase is on!
