Peregrine Falcon

Emblem of parc national du Saguenay, the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrines ) is a sturdy crow-sized falcon. The female, traditionally known as the “falcon,” is larger than the male or “tiercel”. Adult males are 38 to 46 cm long and weigh about 570 g. Females are 46 to 54 cm and weigh about 910 g. Their most reliable distinguishing features are the blackish malar, or cheek, stripe, below the eye and the dark bluish-grey or slate-coloured crown, back, and upper surface of the wings. The throat is white and the under parts are white to buff, with blackish brown bars on the sides, thighs, abdomen, underwings, and lower breast area.
PHOTO: Pierre Pouliot - SEPAQ ©

The long-winged raptor specializes in direct pursuit in the open. As a result, it favours non-forested areas, particularly shores, marshes, river valleys, open moors, and tundra. Even though its level speed of flight exceeds that of most birds, the peregrine usually takes advantage of height when attacking. When it stoops, or dives, at prey, it can reach speeds of over 300 km per hour.

The peregrine falcon generally nests on steep escarpments near water. Vallée de la biodiversité is in this sense an ideal place for peregrine falcon nesting. This bird is designated threatened species in Québec. (Source: Faune et flore du pays)

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