Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius) is Ontario's best known endangered species, owing to efforts spanning over two decades by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service, the private sector, and naturalists and other volunteers to reestablish a breeding population in the province. It is a streamlined flier renowned for its ability to dive at speeds of up to 300 km/hr as it "stoops" on its prey, literally knocking the birds out of the air. The adult Peregrine is best identified by its distinctive black facial mask, resembling a helmet, and by its black malar stripe, or "moustache". It has a slate blue-grey back and whitish underparts with fine, dark barring on the thighs and lower breast. As with most birds of prey, the female is substantially larger than the male. In the wild, Peregrine Falcons usually nest on tall, steep cliff ledges adjacent to large waterbodies, but some birds adapt to urban environments and raise their young on ledges of tall buildings, even in densely populated downtown areas.
The Peregrine Falcon declined in many parts of its global range as a result of reproductive failures caused by the widespread use of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, such as DDT.
The Peregrine Falcon is listed under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects the species from being killed, harmed, harassed, possessed, collected or sold. This species will continue to be protected as a Specially Protected Raptor under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.