Tears
Tears is a Peregrine Falcon (Falco pereginus). Tears came to us in 2003. He has an injured right wing as the result of a battle with another peregrine at Hanging Rock State Park. The elbow is luxated and he is unable to fully retract the wing, so cannot fly. He weighs about 500 g (1 lb. 4 ½ oz.).
Peregrine Falcon (Falco pereginus) Facts
Peregrine Falcons are large powerful falcons with long, pointed wings and a long, narrow, tapered tails. They have distinctive wide mustache marks. Peregrines can fly at speeds up to about 68 mph, but from high altitudes they can dive at speeds exceeding 200 mph. This makes them the fastest animal on the planet.
Size
Length: 35.6-50.8 cm (14-20 in.)
Wing span: 84-116.8 cm (37-46 in.)
Weight: 454-936 g (16-33 oz.)
Habitat
Usually in areas with cliffs or buffs, but have adapted well to city life with the large supply of pigeons using skyscrapers and bridges to provide suitable roosting places.
Diet
Birds (especially ducks) and bats. Prey taken almost exclusively in the air.
Call
They have an exciting and distinctive kak, kak, kak alarm call.
Nesting
Peregrines are not neat nest builders, often using a small hollow depression in the ground atop cliffs. Will use man made nest boxes atop skyscrapers. 3-4 eggs that hatch in approx. 34 days.
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 7-15 years (if they survive the first year)
In captivity: up to 20 years