Identification

Perching: Medium-sized raptor with short beak, cream to brown-colored breast and abdomen with light to heavy streaking, dark back. Head has distinctive black "helmet" and wide, dark mustache mark.

Flying: Narrow, pointed wings, rapid wing beats; no dark axillaries ("armpits") on underwings, which usually exhibit a checkered pattern of black on white.

Nesting Habitat

Ledges of high cliffs, usually remote areas in foothills and mountains, sometimes near wetlands. They advertise their nesting territory with a sky dance and high circling display. They vocalize frequently, making a loud screaming sound audible 1-2 km away. Nesting cliffs usually show extensive patches of whitewash. Their nest sites are not distinguishable from those of prairie falcons.

Nesting Dates

Courtship: late March to late May

Incubation: late April to late June

Dependent nestlings: early May to late July

Incubation of 3-4 eggs requires around 30 days. Young fledge 35-42 days after hatching.

Statewide Distribution and Population

Nests in western two-thirds of state, mostly in foothills and mountain valleys. Current state population is over 140 nesting pairs, up from a low of 4 nesting pairs in 1977. Highest concentrations nest in Western Slope river valleys and canyons.

State and Federal Status

State special concern.

Search and Nest Monitoring Protocol

Prior to searching, check with CPW and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to ascertain whether there are any recent nesting reports from the target area. Beginning early April, search potential nesting habitat (cliffs) for whitewash, then observe potential nesting and perching sites for 2-3 hours every week from a fixed observation point located at least 800 m away. Once nesting is confirmed, monitor nests on weekends to enforce climbing and recreational closures. Continue monitoring until late July or until all young have fledged.

Recommended Nest Buffer Areas

CPW recommends no surface occupancy (beyond that which historically occurred in the area) or other human activity or encroachment within 800 m of the nest cliffs from 15 March to 31 July.

References

Bent, A. C. 1937. Life histories of North American birds of prey, part 1. U.S. National Museum Bulletin 167, Washington, D.C.

Craig, G. R. 1991-94. Peregrine Falcon restoration program. Job progress report, Colorado Division of Wildlife Research Report.

Enderson, J. H. 1964. A study of the Prairie Falcon in the central Rocky Mountain region. Auk 71: 16-35.

Glinski, R. L., and S. Ambrose. 1990. Status report: return of the Peregrine Falcon in the southwest and Alaska from the brink of extinction. Eyas 13: 4-5.

Houle, Marcy Cottrell. 1991. Wings for my flight: the peregrine falcons of Chimney Rock.

Johnsgard, P. A. 1990. Hawks, eagles, and falcons of North America. Smithsonian Institution press, Washington, D.C.

Kingery, H. E., ed. 1998. Colorado breeding bird atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Denver.

Wickersham, L.E. 2016. The Second Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Denver.