Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Description
Peregrine Falcons have a black head with sideburns coming down under each eye. Their throat and chin are white, and their chest has dark barring. Slate-blue feathers cover their backs and wings. These falcons have long, pointed wings and long, skinny toes. Juveniles tend to be dark brown in color and are more heavily streaked.
Diet
The majority of their diet is made up of small to medium sized birds. They will also feed on bats. Occasionally juveniles will eat large flying insects.
Migration
In Colorado, there are some populations of Peregrines who are here year-round and some that come down from Alaska and Canada for the winter.
Breeding
Peregrine Falcons do not build a true nest, but scrape depressions in cavities and on cliffs that have overhangs. They will typically return to the same nesting spot year after year. Females lay two to five eggs per brood and the young will fledge the nest six to seven weeks after hatch.
