Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Historically, Peregrine Falcons nested in small numbers on bluffs along the Mississippi, Missouri and Gasconade rivers. By the 1880s and 1890s only a few pairs remained in the state (Robbins and Easterla 1992). The last known probable breeding activity occurred in 1911 (Robbins and Easterla 1992). Currently, reintroduction projects in St. Louis and Kansas City have released young birds to the wild. A small population of urban-dwelling peregrines has been established, with the released birds selecting tall buildings as substitutes for cliff nesting sites. It is hoped that, with time, pairs may return to former nest sites on suitable bluffs.

Code Frequency

Because of interest in restoration projects, the Peregrine Falcon has been included here despite the fact that no evidence of breeding was found in Atlas Project blocks. This species is currently listed as Extirpated in Missouri.

Distribution

Nesting activity took place outside of Atlas blocks. The Missouri Department of Conservation Restoration Project in Kansas City resulted in several nesting attempts. Although birds released in Kansas City failed to produce young in that city, they have successfully nested in Omaha, Des Moines and Wichita. The World Bird Sanctuary Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project in St. Louis has experienced more success. Four nests sites were located between 1991 and 1996 in the St. Louis area. The first nest was found in 1991 when a pair of Peregrine Falcons nested on the Bell Center building, according to a personal conversation with Mike Cooke of the World Bird Sanctuary. Since then, St. Louis-released Peregrines have occupied and successfully raised young in three other nest sites in the St. Louis area, located on buildings and a bridge.

Abundance

Four nesting attempts occurred in St. Louis between 1991 and 1996. One nest was active from 1991 to 1994, one from 1992 to present, one in 1995 and one in 1996. About 17 young were reared from Eggs: laid by the attendant females, who also reared several fostered young.

Phenology

St. Louis birds set up nesting territories in February. Egg laying typically occurred from April through June, however, on one occasion, birds hatched in early April (Mike Cooke, personal communication.)

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