Peregrine Falcon Call
Range Map: Click to enlarge

Peregrine Falcon - "Horus"

Falco peregrinus (wandering or pilgrim falcon)

About Horus:

In August 2005, a Gilroy resident, was working in her garage when her children called out that a bird had suddenly dropped off the roof onto the driveway.  The bird’s left wing was severely drooping, as well as being raw and bleeding.  X-rays showed there was a radial ulna dislocation at the elbow.  It is very likely that he had hit an object or building while diving in on his prey.  He is only able to fly a short distance from perch to perch.  Unfortunately, Horus passed away of old age in 2019.

Peregrine Falcon Fast Facts:

Measurements:  Length 16”-20” Wingspan 43”-46” Weight avg. 1.6 lb (720 g)

Range:  Permanent resident of most of north Pacific coast and Mexico, summers in Alaska, winters along Atlantic coast; wanders widely after nesting season.  It can be found on every continent except Antarctica.  It is relatively uncommon in the U.S. and is federally listed as threatened, though the species is making a comeback.
Nesting:  Nests made of debris and grass-lined on ledges, cliffs, tree hollows or tops of high trees. Faithful to nesting sites and aeries, some of which have been used by generations of peregrines; monogamous; young stay in nest 35-42 days; one brood per year
Life Expectancy in the wild: 19 years
Habitat:  Open areas with good vantage points to perch; lives on buildings in large cities
Diet:  Exclusively birds
Voice:  Usually silent; when disturbed, “cack, cack, cack”
Interesting Facts:
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird in the world, reaching diving speeds of 240 miles per hour!  Using much the same form as a speeding bullet, the Peregrine folds its wings against its body and hurtles downward in a steep dive—called a stoop—to knock out a flying bird and snatch it while still in the air.