American Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Kingdom: Animalia Class: Aves Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Falconidae
Listing Status:
General Information
The peregrine falcon belongs to the genus "Falco," which is characterized by long pointed wings. In fact the word Falco is derived from "falx," the Latin word for sickle, in reference to the distinct sickle-shaped silhouette of the peregrine falcon’s extended wings in flight. Also unique to this species is the notched beak that is used to kill prey by severing the spinal column at the neck. The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized bird, weighing just over two pounds with a wing span of approximately 3 feet. An adult peregrine has a dark grey back and crown, dark bars or streaks on a pale chest and abdomen, and heavy malar (cheek) stripes on the side of the face. Immature peregrines are buff colored in front and have dark brown backs; adults are white or buff in front and bluish-gray on their backs. Females and males are identical in appearance, however, the female can be a third larger than the male.
- States/US Territories in which the American Peregrine falcon is known to occur: Alabama , Alaska , Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Connecticut , Delaware , District of Columbia , Florida , Georgia , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Puerto Rico , Rhode Island , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont , Virgin Islands , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia , Wisconsin , Wyoming
- US Counties in which the American Peregrine falcon is known to occur: View All
- For more information: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/recovery/peregrine/
» Federal Register Documents
» Recovery
| Date | Title | Plan Status |
|---|---|---|
| 10/20/2004 | Revised American Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan (Rocky Mountain/Southwest Population) | Final Revision 1 |
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 12/03/2003 | American peregrine falcon PDM plan |
» Critical Habitat
| Date | Citation Page | Title | Document Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/22/1977 | 42 FR 47840 47845 | Final Correction and Augumentation of Critical Habitat Reorganization; 42 FR 47840 47845 | Final Rule | Active |
| 08/11/1977 | 42 FR 40685 40690 | Determination of Critical Habitat for Six Endangered Species Including Palila, Renumbering of Critical Habitat Listings; 42 FR 40685 40690 (Florida Everglades kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus; American peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus anatum; palila Psittirostra bailleui; dusky seaside sparrow, Ammospiza maritima nigrescens; Cape Sable sparrow, Ammospiza maritima mirabilis; Morro Bay kangaroo rat, Dipodomus heermanni morroensis) | Final Rule | Active |
| 08/30/1976 | 41 FR 36516 | Proposed Critical Habitat for the American Peregrine Falcon; 41 FR 36516 | Proposed Rule | Not Required |
To learn more about critical habitat please see http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov
» Conservation Plans
| HCP Plan Summaries |
|---|
| Assessment District 161 |
| Cal. Dept. of Corrections Statewide Electrified Fence Project |
| Cedar River Watershed HCP |
| City of Tacoma, Tacoma Water HCP |
| Clark County Multiple Species HCP (7 permittees) |
| CCA Plan Summaries |
|---|
| Spring Mountains National Recreation Area |
» Petitions
No petition findings have been published for the American Peregrine falcon.
» Life History
No Life History information has been entered into this system for this species.
» Other Resources
NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.
ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.
