In Georgia and South Carolina it is possible to see either the American or Arctic races. The American peregrine is larger, darker, and has more extensive black markings on the face than the Arctic peregrine.
General Habitat: : Preferred habitat and nesting sites are cliffs overlooking water. Slopes, river cutbanks, mounds, sand dunes, trees, flat bogs and plains are also nesting sites. Peregrines are a cosmopolitan species and do not occur in large numbers. They live where prey is very abundant and feed on pigeons in the city. Old records indicate that peregrines once nested near Caesar's Head and Table Rock, South Carolina. Now the peregrine is generally considered only a winter migrant in the state. More recent records reveal that peregrines have been sited in Atlanta, Georgia. Sightings in Columbia County, Georgia, have, unfortunately, never been confirmed. Actual sightings have been very few. Probable sightings occur when peregrines are in migration along the coast. Experimental hacking (reintroduction) programs have recently been conducted in the Table Rock area, increasing potential for observation of the species in northern Upper Savannah River Basin area.
Peregrines have declined due to use and buildup of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides in their food chain. Contaminated peregrines have impaired calcium metabolism which causes thin-shelled eggs. Such eggs break easily and do not hatch. Falconers have removed many of these birds from the wild. Elimination of the Peregrines habitat has contributed to its decline. The great horned owl is its major predator.
General Description: : The Peregrine is about the size of a crow; 1.5ft (0.5m) long with a 3.3ft (1m) wingspread. The Peregrine has a characteristic falcon shape which differs from other types of hawks. The wings are pointed and the tail is narrow. At rest the bird has a heavy shouldered tapering look. Adults are dark, slate gray above. The head is black with black mustache markings extending on the neck. The throat is white. The undersides are pale barred crosswise with black. Immature birds are dark brown on back, with a light underside with dark brown vertical streaks. Peregrines are easily confused with other species. Peregrines do not soar but flap their wings continuously when in level flight. Marsh hawks also flap continuously but are larger and have a white rump patch. Peregrines are swift fliers. They will fly 10-20mi (16-32km) from the nest to search for prey. Birds are their favorite prey. They may accelerate to 200mph (320kph) when diving at prey. They club large birds with their feet and follow them to earth to feed. Small birds are seized with the talons. There are perhaps 200 pairs in the Continental U.S. Peregrine prey is hunted over open habitat such as waterways, field and wetland areas (swamps and marshes). They possess great strength and agility and have been used since 2000 B.C. for the art of falconry. Average home ranges covers 20 mi2 (52km2). Falcons generally reach sexual maturity at 3 years of age. Peregrines generally mate for life. Mating occurs in late March or early April. Incubation averages about 32 days for each egg, with a 2-day hatching interval between eggs in the clutch. Clutch size averages three. Young stay in the nest 6-7 weeks and become self-sufficient after several months.
