Nike (Peregrine falcon)
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine falcons have been on the
California Endangered Species list since 1971 due to DDT/DDE usage. They are a raptor, a little larger than a
crow. They have a small rounded head
with a broad, very conspicuous all black stripe along the side of the
cheek. When perched, their long wings
fold back and the tips nearly reach the tip of the tail. The back and the folded wings range from
blue-gray to blackish-gray. The tail is
black with numerous gray bars and white terminal bands. They are the fastest bird in the air capable
of diving at 240 miles per hour. They
are also able to maneuver quickly at high speeds making their favorite prey,
other birds, an easy target. If they
miss on their first pass, they can shift, fly upside down, and grab the prey
from below. Their favorite prey is doves
and pigeons. Ironically, humans have
provided peregrines their most successful reproduction sites in big
cities. There are an ample supply of
pigeons and effective nesting sites on high ledges of skyscrapers.
A rural animal control officer picked up Nike by the side of the
road. His right wing was broken at a joint.
We were able to set the bone which did heal, but the joint is not
flexible enough to allow Nike to compete in the wild. Falcons must be able to out fly all other
birds in the air to survive. Nike is
timid of people, but his enclosure allows him room and privacy to avoid people
when he wants to.