Raptors of the NCA - peregrine falcon
By Kateri Bilay
Few raptors are as well recognized in the public eye as the peregrine falcon, and for good reason. This charismatic and cosmopolitan falcon can be found on every continent, except Antarctica, and is widely known to be the fastest bird in the world. It is also considered one of the greatest conservation success stories. In 1970 the species was listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act as a result of the massive and rapid decline that was detected across the United States during the 1960’s due to DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), an agricultural insecticide widely used at the time.
Significant evidence of DDT’s negative effects on peregrine falcons, as well as fish-eating birds like bald eagles, osprey, and brown pelicans, led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the use of DDT across the U.S. in 1972. Simultaneously, population monitoring efforts and protections were enhanced for peregrine falcons that held on in the wild. After almost 30 years of these conservation efforts, along with groundbreaking captive breeding programs pioneered by the Peregrine Fund (whose headquarters is located in Boise, ID), brought the peregrine falcon back from the brink of extinction. It was therefore removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.
Peregrine falcons in the morley nelson snake river birds of prey nca
After being absent from the NCA for over 40 years, peregrine falcons were documented nesting on the cliffs of the Snake River Canyon in the NCA in 2019. Despite all odds, a few pairs of peregrines have begun to carve out nesting territories amongst the hundreds of pairs of prairie falcons who have dominated the nest cliffs of the NCA during their long absence. Now this amazing raptor can be seen in the NCA throughout much of the year as migrating birds also utilize the NCA for foraging during passage between breeding and wintering ranges.
Where to see peregrine falcons in idaho
One of the best places to spot peregrine falcons in the NCA is along the snake river between Swan Falls Dam and Celebration Park. Keep an eye out for a large and fast-flying falcon with strong and swift wingbeats. Peregrines lack the characteristic dark wing pits of the more commonly seen prairie falcon but have noticeable dark grey plumage on their heads with a distinct black ‘malar’ stripe below the eye that gives the appearance of a football helmet. Peregrines hunt birds on the wing, pursuing their avian prey in flight by overtaking them with their incredible speed. If you stick around the NCA long enough you might be lucky enough to witness this fantastic hunting strategy in person.
Plan a visit to the NCA while the peregrine falcons are in town!
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