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Species of Special Concern
Photo courtesy of USFWSStatus
Alaska species of special concern
Description
Arctic peregrine falcons are medium-sized falcons, about 14-18 inches long, with long, narrow wings that commonly span 43 inches. Adults have blue-gray backs with white chests and heavily-barred bellies. Younger birds (less than 1 year of age) have brown backs, heavily streaked underparts, and buff-colored chests. Both adults and immatures have dark heads with a distinct mustache mark below the eye.
Habitats and Habits
An extremely powerful flier, the arctic peregrine falcon mostly eats birds that are caught in mid-air chases of breath-taking speed. Nests are on cliffs or bluffs and are usually near rivers or lakes that provide habitat for the shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl upon which the falcons prey. Arctic peregrine falcons nest in the treeless tundra areas of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, and migrate south through Canada and the United States. They spend the winter in warmer climates from the southern United States to southern Argentina and Chile. In Alaska, arctic peregrine falcons are found nesting mostly along rivers in northern and western Alaska.
Causes of Decline
The use of DDT and other toxic pesticides was the primary cause of the decline of peregrine falcons. Pesticides which are used to control insect populations accumulate in tissues of insect-eating fish and birds. These poisonous chemicals are further concentrated by raptors that catch or consume insect eaters. They affect peregrine falcons by directly killing them, altering their behavior (such as nest defense), and causing females to lay eggs with such thin shells that the eggs often break before hatching. Restrictions on the use of these pesticides since 1972 have allowed arctic peregrine falcons to recover. Currently, about 250 pairs nest in Alaska and thousands nest throughout arctic North America.
Range of the Arctic Peregrine FalconResearch and Recovery
Research on arctic peregrine falcons has focused on monitoring changes in pesticide levels, breeding success, and population size. Although populations declined due to exposure to environmental contaminants, the recovery of arctic peregrine falcons has been enhanced through the careful protection of nesting sites. Cooperative efforts between land management agencies and resource exploration and development interests have allowed arctic peregrine falcons to reproduce without disturbance at their remote nesting areas.
Text: Ted Swem
For Additional Information
Please contact:
Doug Vincent-Lang
(907) 267-2339
