Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons mate for life and make one of the longest migrations of any North American bird. They eat pigeons, starlings, ducks, and other birds caught in the air. Found on all continents except Antarctica, they live in environments ranging from tropics, deserts, and tundras to waterways. City life suits them well because tall buildings provide nesting ledges, water sources are available, and large pigeon populations offer food. Peregrine falcons are the world's fastest animal and can fly 200 miles per hour. DDT nearly wiped out peregrine falcon populations in eastern North America, but reintroduction programs restored their numbers after the pesticide was banned.

Norristown, Pennsylvania · United States