Peregrine Falcons in Michigan

Globally speaking, the Peregrine Falcon is an exceptionally widespread species. Its broad range reflects the translated meaning of the word peregrinus in Latin, or “wanderer.” Outside of the breeding season, the peregrine is quite the far-ranging traveler, earning them notoriety as one of the most well-known birds of prey in the world. 

Adapting to urban as well as wild areas, breeding pairs of peregrines in Michigan have been successful. They have learned to adapt their nests to human constructs (buildings, bridges, smokestacks, radio and clock towers, and the like). Surveyors of this species scan these sites for perching peregrines searching for food. The easy-to-spot, diurnal peregrine is a treat for birdwatchers.

Identifying a Peregrine Falcon

• With a wingspan of 41 inches and about the size of a crow, the peregrine is a relatively large falcon. 
• Females are larger than males; both have a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and an almost black head. Juveniles are heavily marked, with vertical streaks instead of horizontal bars on the breast^1. 
• The barring of the peregrine feather pattern makes for visual similarities to Merlins. 

The Status of “The Wanderer” in the Great Lakes State

In Michigan, the Peregrine Falcon remains on the state endangered species list, which affords them additional legal protections beyond the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Peregrine Falcon is not, at present, a federally listed endangered species, and its global rank is considered secure^2.

Peregrine Falcons are migratory birds, but many will overwinter in Michigan cities if they have an ample population of Rock Pigeons to sustain them through the season. 

Surveying for Peregrine Falcons

A big push was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reestablish the Peregrine Falcon population in Michigan after it was listed on the state’s endangered species list, and the agency continues to monitor this bird of prey statewide. 

Surveying for peregrines involves visually scanning for individuals during the daytime from the fourth week of March to the fourth week of August annually. For birders, the best way to contribute to monitoring is to participate in local and regional migration counts and breeding bird surveys, and to enter their sightings into eBird. 

In addition to increased monitoring efforts, which have been largely collaborative in nature with other groups and individuals like citizen scientists, Audubon chapters, and other nonprofit organizations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources also established (and reached) their goal to maintain a population of at least 10 nesting pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Michigan.

With this goal met, monitoring continues, as does the outreach and education efforts required to better share with people how they can help us better understand, appreciate, and conserve the Peregrine Falcon. 

Conservation Concerns for the Peregrine Falcon

In the 1960s, we saw the Peregrine Falcon population reach a critical low. It’s no doubt that the alarms sounded for improved legislation and protection to prevent this species from extinction. Conservation and legislative efforts have helped these birds recover, which is a success for birds, people, the ecosystem, and our monitoring systems. 

However, the peregrine is still frequently sought after and illegally killed, in addition to the continual risks and pressures to adapt to climate change effects, habitat loss, and the myriad impacts of human disturbance. 

• Illegal killing of peregrines to prevent predation on game birds and racing pigeons. 
• The impact of pesticides in the food chain, which bioaccumulate (amplify) in birds of prey like the peregrine.  
• The taking of eggs and chicks of peregrines worldwide for collections and falconry purposes.