Peregrine Falcon

A bird perches on a rock outcropping near four fluffy whitish chicks
Peregrine falcons are a recovered endangered species in Yellowstone.

NPS / Jacob Frank

 

The peregrine falcon is among the fastest birds, flying at up to 55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph when striking avian prey in mid-air. Peregrine populations began to decline in the 1940s because of pesticide contamination. One of three North American subspecies, the peregrine in Greater Yellowstone (Falco peregrinus anatum) was considered extirpated by the 1970s. As part of a national reintroduction program, captive-bred peregrines were released in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks during the 1980s. They typically reside in Greater Yellowstone from March through October, when their favored prey—songbirds and waterfowl—are most abundant. During winter they migrate as far south as Mexico or farther.

 
 

History

In 1962, Rachel Carson sounded an alarm about the irresponsible use of pesticides with her landmark book Silent Spring. Among the dangers she described were the adverse effects of chemicals—particularly DDT—on the reproductive capacity of some birds, especially predatory species such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Her book raised public awareness of this issue, and was one of the catalysts leading to the United States banning some of the most damaging pesticides.

The peregrine falcon was among the birds most affected by the toxins. It was listed as Endangered in 1970. Yellowstone National Park was a site for peregrine reintroductions in the 1980s, which were discontinued when the peregrine population began increasing following restrictions on organochlorine pesticides in Canada and the United States, habitat protection, and the reintroduction program. The falcon made a comeback in much of its former range, and was delisted in 1999.

In Yellowstone, the most nesting pairs recorded was 32 in 2007, and they produced 47 fledglings. Although nesting pairs may reuse the same eyrie for many years, their remote locations on cliff ledges makes it impractical to locate and monitor activity at all eyries in a single year.

Yellowstone National Park’s protected conditions and long-term monitoring of peregrines provide baseline information to compare against other populations in the United States. Continued monitoring is essential, not only for comparisons with other populations, but also because peregrine falcons and other raptors are reliable indicators of contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), and of climate change. For example, to assess the levels of PBDE and other contaminants, scientists collect eggshell remains after peregrines have left their nests for the season.

 

Recovery in Yellowstone

While the organochlorines found in peregrine eggshell fragments and feather samples have declined significantly, several studies indicate that certain flame retardant chemicals developed in the 1970s for use in electronic equipment, textiles, paints, and many other products leach into the environment and have been found in birds of prey at levels that impair their reproductive biology. In 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014 eggshell fragments, feathers, and prey remains were collected from nest sites in Yellowstone after fledging occurred. Comparative data on eggshell thickness, which is an indicator of environmental contaminants, is within the range considered normal for the Rocky Mountain Region.

The major cause of peregrine endangerment is no longer a threat and Yellowstone’s peregrine population appears stable. Productivity and nesting success in 2022 was just below the 38-year average of 1.7 and 75%, respectively. Relatively low nesting success and productivity over the past decade warrants continued close monitoring of this species and may require further study to determine the cause(s).

 

Resources

Annual Bird Program Reports. National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park. http://www.nps.gov/yell/nature/birdreports.htm.

Enderson, J.H.,R.J. Oakleaf, R.R. Rogers, J.S. Sumner. 2012. Nesting performance of peregrine falcons in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, 2005–2009. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 124(1):127–132.

White, C.M., N.J. Clum, T.J. Cade, and W. Grainger Hunt. Peregrine Falcon. The Birds of North America Online. https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/perfal/introduction.

 
Bald eagle standing over a fish that it's eating.
Bald Eagle

Bald eagles can be seen along Yellowstone's many rivers and lakes.

An osprey comes in for a landing on a nest, where its mate tends the nest.
Osprey

Osprey summer in Yellowstone, fishing and raising young.

A large dark bird stands over the remains of a carcass on a snowbank next to a body of water.
Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are named for the yellow feathers at the base of the neck.

A large flock of white birds on the shore of an island.
Colony Nesting Birds

American white pelicans and other colonial nesting birds nest primarily on the Molly Islands in the southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake.

Two birds with black heads, red eyes, and black & white bodies swim in a lake.
Common Loon

Loons in Yellowstone are some of the southern most breeding populations.

Two adult swans and four juveniles swim lake.
Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter swans are the largest wild waterfowl in North America.

A white-breasted bird with gray and black wings and black beak on a mound of snow
Songbirds and Woodpeckers

Passerine and near passerine species comprise the majority of bird species in Yellowstone.

A small, gray bird perched on a rock along a stream holding an insect in its beak.
American Dipper

Also known as the water ouzel, these birds dive into water for aquatic insects.

Profile of a raven's head and chest
Raven

Ravens are smart birds, able to put together cause and effect.

A sandhill crane walking through a marshy landscape.
Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes nest in Yellowstone during the summer.

A striped black & white bird with a red patch on the back of it's head perches on a tree trunk.
Birds

Spring is a wonderful time to look for birds, as migration brings many birds back to the park.

An eared grebe near Mammoth Hot Springs
Sound Library

Immerse yourself in the aural splendor of Yellowstone.

Last updated: June 20, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

Contact Us