Peregrine Falcon Recovery and Urban Nesting

Peregrine falcons recovered from near-extinction caused by DDT to become successful urban nesters, demonstrating what coordinated conservation effort can achieve for a charismatic predator.

Key Facts

Peregrine falcons were virtually extinct in eastern North America by the 1960s with no breeding pairs remaining
The ban on DDT in 1972 and captive breeding programs restored eastern populations to over 3,000 pairs today
Urban peregrines nest on skyscrapers and bridges that mimic their natural cliff nesting habitat
Peregrines have been recorded diving at speeds over 300 kilometers per hour during prey stoops
Urban nesting peregrines face window strikes, pigeon diseases, and anti-bird netting that can entangle adults

Welfare Considerations

The peregrine recovery is one of conservation greatest success stories, but urban nesting birds face novel welfare challenges. Window strikes during high-speed stoops cause fatal trauma. Anti-bird netting installed to deter feral pigeons can entangle peregrines whose talons catch in mesh. Chicks displaced from nests before fledging require rehabilitation intervention. Urban peregrines that subsist heavily on feral pigeons are exposed to pigeon diseases and anticoagulant rodenticides accumulated in pigeon prey. Monitoring nest sites and responding to welfare emergencies is an ongoing requirement for urban peregrine conservation.

What You Can Do

Support Peregrine Fund nest monitoring programs in your region
Report displaced or injured peregrine chicks to local raptor rehabilitation centers
Advocate for peregrine-safe netting specifications for anti-bird installations on buildings
Never disturb active peregrine nest sites — observe from a distance using binoculars