Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Following an alarming decline to near extiction during the 1950s and 1960s, this spectacular falcon is off the endangered species list. Falconers, donating their breeding birds to the cause, have increased the number of released birds back to the wild. A favorite nesting site nowadays is a tall building or bridge in a city; these urban Peregrines subsist mainly on pigeons. Peregrine falcons are sleek, crow-sized birds of prey, famous for their speed and beauty. For hundreds of years, peregrines have been prized for the sport of falconry. Wildlife artist Kathie Miller has captured this magnificent bird of prey with colored pencils.
