Peregrine falcons return to Ohio

PEREGRINE FALCONS

Facts

Peregrine falcons have returned to Ohio, including a pair nesting on top of the Stambaugh Building in downtown Youngstown.

There are 25 peregrine falcon pairs nesting sites in Ohio. There were 19 last year. Those falcon couples produced 56 chicks.

The falcons were on the federal endangered species list until 2006 when they were downgraded to threatened species. They are still on Ohio’s endangered species list, but are expected to be reclassified as threatened sometime this summer.

Peregrine falcons suffered near annihilation after the introduction of the synthetic pesticide called DDT during World War II. The chemical substance interfered with egg production, causing falcons to produce eggshells so thin they could not withstand the weight of an incubating adult, according to ODNR. As a result, in 1965, no peregrine falcons were hatched in the eastern or central U.S. DDT was banned in 1972.

The first peregrine pair to inhabit Ohio’s cities was discovered in the 1980s, residing in a Toledo skyscraper. The birds’ choice of stony nesting sites parallels canyons, their natural habitats.

They normally grow to 15 inches in length with a 40-inch wingspan.

They can fly as fast as 175 mph with a diving speed of 82 mph.

Females are larger and more powerful than males. Adults have slate dark blue-gray wings and backs barred with black, pale undersides, white faces with a black stripe on each cheek, and large, dark eyes. Their wings are long and pointed.

Their prey include ducks, pheasants, pigeons and small birds.

Prey is caught in flight. The falcon delivers a powerful blow to its prey with a half-closed foot. It retrieves the dead bird either in mid-air or after it falls to the ground.

Although peregrine falcons have high mortality rates, they’ve been known to live as long as 15 years.

Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources