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. Recently, however, they have become well known as a species endangered due to pesticide contamination. These magnificent birds are now making a comeback in many parts of their former range.
The peregrine’s bluish upperparts, black cap, black moustache below the eye, white chin and buffy under-parts barred with brown give it a striking appearance. It has dark brown eyes with yellow eye rings, a slate-blue beak and yellow feet and legs. Large, strong feet and a powerful, hooked beak enable the peregrine to carry and eat its prey. Peregrines are compact, fast birds with pointed wings.
As with most birds of prey, male peregrines are smaller than females. Male falcons are called tiercels, which means "one-third"; they are one-third smaller than females.
An immature peregrine falcon is similar to the adult, but has brown upperparts, a heavily streaked breast and a blue-gray beak, legs and feet.
More more information visit the
WI DNR website at:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/...rds/falcon.htm
