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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
American Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus anatum)
Legal Status
State: Delisted, Fully Protected
Federal: Delisted, Bird of
Conservation Concern
Photo courtesy of Gerald and Buff
Critical Habitat: N/A
Corsi, California Academy of
Sciences.
Recovery Planning: N/A
Notes: Species was federally
delisted on August 25, 1999, due to recovery (64 FR 46542–
46558) and state delisted on August 6, 2009 (California Fish
and Game Commission 2009).
Taxonomy
There are 19 subspecies of peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), 3
of which occur in North America: F. p. anatum, F. p. tundrius, and
F. p. pealei (White et al. 2002). Current subspecific classifications
and geographic boundaries are based on plumage and
morphometrics (White et al. 2002). However, the current
systematics of this species are somewhat uncertain. Recent
information based on microsatellite deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
analysis suggests that the North American populations of F. p.
anatum and F. p. tundrius subspecies may not be genetically
distinct at the species’ northern latitudinal distribution from
Alaska through Canada to Greenland (Johnson et al. 2010). A
confounding factor in the genetic makeup of North American
populations is that nearly 7,000 falcons were released in the
eastern United States and Canada from 1974 to 1999, of which
many were stock from non-native subspecies (White et al. 2002).
This species account addresses the currently recognized
subspecies, F. p. anatum, which occurs in North America, south
of the tundra to northern Mexico, except for the Pacific
Northwest, which supports the subspecies F. p. pealei (White et
al. 2002). Of the three North American subspecies, F. p. anatum
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
is the only one that breeds in California. For the purpose of this
analysis, the systematic questions are unimportant because
none of the subspecies are currently federally or state-listed
(although F. p. anatum is fully protected in California), and
these uncertainties are unlikely to trigger new listings in the
foreseeable future that would have ramifications for the Desert
Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP).
Distribution
General
In North America, peregrine falcon breeds from Alaska to
Labrador, southward to Baja California and other parts of
northern Mexico, and east across central Arizona through
Alabama. Its distribution is patchy in North America, and
populations in the eastern United States are still chiefly in
urban areas (AOU 1998; White et al. 2002). The distribution is
likely to change as the species reoccupies areas from which it
was formerly extirpated (White et al. 2002). The former
breeding range also included Ontario, southern Quebec, the
Canadian Maritime Provinces, and all of the eastern United
States south to northern Georgia. In the Americas, the species
winters from southern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in
southernmost South America (AOU 1998). In California, the
American peregrine falcon is an uncommon breeder and
uncommon winter migrant (Zeiner et al. 1990). However, since
the 1970s, the breeding population has dramatically increased,
and active nest sites are known from 40 counties, spanning the
length of California (Comrack and Logsdon 2008). Active nests
have been documented along the coast north of Santa Barbara,
in the Sierra Nevada, and in other mountains of Northern
California. As a transient winter species, the American
peregrine falcon may occur almost anywhere in California that
suitable habitat is present (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Figure SPB1). It is generally absent from desert areas, but occurs along
the Colorado River, in the Coachella Valley and south in the
Salton Sink, and the Imperial Valley to the U.S.–Mexico border
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
where non-breeding individuals may occur year-round (Patten
et al. 2003; Comrack and Logsdon 2008).
Distribution and Occurrences within the Plan Area
Historical
Historically, American peregrine falcon nested near Parker
Dam at least until 1954 and probably at Imperial National
Wildlife Refuge and Topock Gorge during the same time period
(Comrack and Logsdon 2008). Garrett and Dunn (1981) noted
that the species was a rare, transient, and non-breeding
summer visitor at the Salton Sea and that elsewhere in the
desert it was a rare, transient, and casual visitor during other
seasons. Along the Colorado River, it was a regular winter
visitor, but numbers had decreased, with most observations
occurring in the fall (Garrett and Dunn 1981).
Recent
American peregrine falcon currently has a limited range within
the Plan Area. Individuals may be observed year-round in the
Salton Sink and south into the Imperial Valley to the U.S.–
Mexico border, but it is likely that different individuals occur in
this region as non-breeding summer and midwinter visitors
(Patten et al. 2003). Most of the summer visitors in the Salton
Sink are immatures and subadults, and are likely from the Gulf
of California breeding population (Patten et al. 2003). Garrett
and Dunn (1981) had also noted the historical occurrence of
non-breeding summer visitors. The shoreline of the Salton Sea
provides abundant foraging opportunities for the species
during the summer, but midwinter visitors are more dispersed
in the agricultural fields of the Imperial Valley (Patten et al.
2003). Breeding has not been observed in this area, but due to
the presence of summer individuals, Patten et al. (2003)
suggest that the species may attempt to colonize the Salton
Sink area in the future, although they note that there is a lack of
suitable nesting sites. The species’ winter range also overlaps
with other areas of the Plan Area, including the Tehachapi and
southern Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in eastern Kern
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
County, the eastern Sierra Nevada in Inyo County, and the
northern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles
County (Zeiner et al. 1990).
There are no recent (i.e., since 1990) nesting records for the
species in the Plan Area in the California Natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB) (Comrack and Logsdon 2008; CDFG 2011a).
However, the eBird database includes 44 occurrences in the
Plan Area dating back to 2003 and one occurrence within 5
miles of the Plan Area in San Bernardino (Dudek 2011). The
occurrences in the Plan Area generally occur north of
Independence at the northern end of the Plan Area, and south
in Inyo, near Lancaster, south of the Salton Sea, near Parker,
and northwest of Yuma (Dudek 2011).
American peregrine falcon can be expected to occur wherever
there are large concentrations of shorebirds, such as at playas
that provide important seasonal wetland resources for a
variety of migratory and wintering birds. For example, Searles
Dry Lake east of Trona and Koehn Dry Lake northeast of
California City have spring-fed wetlands that expand with
winter rains producing highly productive alkali meadows and
mudflats used by shorebirds (National Audubon Society 2011).
Harper Dry Lake near Barstow also provides wetland habitat
for birds (BLM 2007). Non-breeding peregrine falcons,
including subadults and immatures, may opportunistically use
these seasonal resources in the Plan Area as foraging habitat.
Natural History
Habitat Requirements
Peregrine falcons in general use a large variety of open
habitats for foraging, including tundra, marshes, seacoasts,
savannahs, grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and
agricultural areas (Table 1). Sites are often located near rivers
or lakes (Snyder 1991; AOU 1998; Brown 2006). Riparian
areas, as well as coastal and inland wetlands, are also
important habitats year-round for this species. The species
breeds mostly in woodland, forest, and coastal habitats (Zeiner
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
et al. 1990; Brown 2006). In Southern California, American
peregrine falcons are primarily found at coastal estuaries and
inland oases during migration periods and during the winter
months (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Their high mobility,
extensive hunting areas, remote nest sites, and unique
preferences of individual pairs make it difficult to identify what
might be typical peregrine falcon habitat (USFWS 1984), and
no particular terrestrial biome appears to be preferred over
others (White et al. 2002). As described previously, peregrine
falcons winter and summer in the Salton Sink and Imperial
Valley agricultural areas (primarily during the winter) (Patten
et al. 2003) and may also opportunistically take advantage of
large shorebird concentrations at seasonal wetlands in playas
in the Plan Area.
American peregrine falcon requires cliffs or suitable surrogates
for breeding that are close to preferred foraging areas. Nests
are typically located in cliffs between 64 and 656 feet tall that
are prominent in the landscape. Peregrine falcons may also
occasionally nest on the ground, where there are topographic
relief features, such as grass hummocks, mounds, low mudhills,
sand dunes, and cutbanks, but Pagel et al. (2010) observed
nesting on flat ground with little topographic relief at the San
Diego National Wildlife Refuge. American peregrine falcon has
also been known to nest in trees and on small outcrops. Tall
buildings, bridges, or other tall man-made structures are also
suitable for nesting (White et al. 2002). The nest site usually
provides a panoramic view of open country and often
overlooks water. It is always associated with an abundance of
avian prey, even in an urban setting. Peregrine falcons show
strong nest site and territory fidelity, although territories do
shift (Tordoff and Redig 1997; Nesje et al. 2000). A cliff or
building nest site may be used for many years (Brown 2006).
The nest site itself usually consists of a rounded depression or
scrape with accumulated debris that is occasionally lined with
grass (Call 1978). Higher-quality nest sites provide greater
protection from the elements and yield greater breeding
success (Olsen and Olsen 1989). Although peregrine falcons
summer in the Salton Sink, and Patten et al. (2003) suggest the
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
potential for nesting in the future, they also note that there is a
lack of suitable nesting habitat in the region. While there are no
CNDDB occurrences for nesting sites in the Plan Area (CDFG
2011a), and the current potential for the species to nest in the
Plan Area appears to be low, they nested until at least 1954
near Parker Dam and probably at Imperial National Wildlife
Refuge and Topock Gorge during the same time period
(Comrack and Logsdon 2008).
Table 1. Habitat Associations for American Peregrine Falcon
Land Cover
Type
Shorelines
(e.g., Salton
Sea)
Agriculture,
Playas,
Tundra,
Marshes,
Seacoasts,
Savannahs,
Grasslands,
Meadows,
Open
woodlands
(open
habitats)
Woodland,
forest, and
coastal
habitats
Coastal
estuaries,
inland oases
Salton Sink,
Imperial
Valley
Agricultural
Areas
Land
Cover Use
Foraging
Habitat
Designation
Foraging
Habitat
Parameters
Primary
Habitat
Supporting
Information
AOU 1998;
Brown
2006;
Snyder 1991
Breeding
Breeding
Primary
Habitat
Zeiner et al.
1990;
Brown 2006
Secondary
Habitat
Garrett and
Dunn 1981
Secondary
Habitat
Patten et al.
2003
Migration
and overwintering
Overwintering
Overwintering
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Table 1. Habitat Associations for American Peregrine Falcon
Land Cover
Type
Cliffs, tall
buildings,
bridges, or
other tall
man-made
structures
Land
Cover Use
Nesting
Habitat
Designation
Breeding/
Nesting
Habitat
Parameters
Primary
Habitat
Supporting
Information
White et al.
2002;
Brown
2006;
Call 1978;
Olsen and
Olsen 1989
Foraging Requirements
The diet of the American peregrine falcon primarily consists of
pigeon-sized birds, but can be as small as hummingbirds or as
large as small geese (White et al. 2002). In temperate
continental latitudes, pigeons and doves (Columbidae) may be
most frequently taken and possibly, in terms of biomass, are
the peregrine falcon’s most important prey. Other avian prey
include waterfowl (Anatidae), shorebirds (e.g., Scolopacidae,
Alcidae), and small passerines (i.e., perching birds) (White et
al. 2002). American peregrine falcons also take mammals,
including bats (Chiroptera) and rodents, such as squirrels
(Sciuridae) and mice and rats (Muridae) (White et al. 2002).
Reproduction
Breeding by American peregrine falcons occurs from early
March to late August (Table 2). Replacement clutches may be
laid as late as September, but there is no evidence of more than
one brood per season in North America (White et al. 2002).
Clutch size varies from three to seven eggs. Incubation lasts 33
to 35 days and is performed by both parents (Bent 1938;
Brown 2006). The young typically fledge between 25 and 42
days (Brown 2006). They are dependent upon the parents for
several months and often pursue adults to solicit food (White
et al. 2002). First-year young remain in social groups several
months after nest departure and may start migration together
(Cade 1960). Although it is rare for a yearling male to breed,
immature females may breed with mature males (Wendt and
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Septon 1991). When yearlings breed, they often fail to produce
eggs, clutches are smaller, and young often fail to fledge;
however, successful breeding by a yearling pair has been
observed (Wendt and Septon 1991).
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
July
June
May
April
March
Feb
Table 2. Key Seasonal Periods for American Peregrine Falcon
Jan
BIRDS
Breeding
x
x
x
x
x
x
Migration
x
x
x
x
x
x
________________
Notes: Immatures and non-breeding subadults may summer in Salton
Sink area. Peregrine falcons nesting in California typically stay within
their general breeding areas.
Sources: Jurek 1989; White et al. 2002; Patten et al. 2003.
Spatial Behavior
During the breeding season, peregrine falcon pairs occupy
territories around their nests that they defend with
vocalizations and attacks (White et al. 2002; Cade 1960). This
territory is minimally the area enclosed by about a 300-foot
radius around the nest and is usually larger (Cade 1960). Size
of territory and intensity of boundary defense are probably
affected by prey abundance (Nelson 1977). Home ranges of
individual pairs also fluctuate with prey abundance. In Sonoma
County, California, home range was estimated to be
approximately 125 square miles (Zeiner et al. 1990) (Table 3).
A radiotelemetry study of birds at three nest sites along the
Front Range in Colorado near Colorado Springs estimated
foraging ranges of 138 to 582 square miles (Enderson and
Craig 1997). Enderson and Craig (1997) also documented that
about 60% of hunting flights were within 5 miles of the nest,
but 20% of hunting flights by females exceeded 14 miles.
Hunting ranges by all individuals overlapped even though the
two most distant nest sites were separated by more than 17
miles. Inland nest sites in California are 3 to 7 miles apart
(Zeiner et al. 1990). Pair members often perch side by side, and
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
pair bonds remain established year-round in resident birds
(White et al. 2002).
The American peregrine falcon populations in California
include both a breeding resident population and wintering
migrants that breed in more northern latitudes (Jurek 1989).
Breeding residents in California generally are nonmigratory
and stay near breeding sites; as of 1988, no adults banded in
California have been observed outside the state (Jurek 1989).
Individuals occurring in the Plan Area include winter migrants
and non-breeding immature and subadult summer visitors in
the Salton Sink (Patten et al. 2003). Also, immatures born in
California may fly as far south as Mexico and as far north as
Oregon (Jurek 1989). American peregrine falcons are capable
of rapid, long-distance migrations. Fuller et al. (1998), for
example, documented southward migrations of over 5,300
miles by individuals that breed in the lower Artic and North
American boreal forests, with migration rates of more than 100
miles per day on southward migrations and more than 120
miles per day on northward migrations. The species is
considered to be a “low-altitude” migrant with flight altitudes
of less than 330 feet to about 2,950 feet (White et al. 2002).
Daily migration patterns include about 6 hours of flight,
generally midmorning to late afternoon, and generally
occurring on 6 days of a 7-day period (White et al. 2002).
Most nesting peregrine falcons return to their general natal
area, but individuals may disperse and establish breeding
territories hundreds of miles from their natal area (Jurek 1989).
Table 3. Spatial Behavior by American Peregrine Falcon
Type
Home
Range
Distance/Area
125 square miles
Location of Study
Sonoma County,
California;
Colorado
Citation
Zeiner et al.
1990
Enderson and
Craig 1997
138 to 158
square miles
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Table 3. Spatial Behavior by American Peregrine Falcon
Type
Dispersal
Distance/Area
Most
California
breeders remain
in their natal
area, but may
disperse several
hundred miles
Location of Study
Citation
Jurek 1989
Migration
California
breeding
population
generally nonmigratory;
California
Jurek 1989
Birds of northern
latitudes may
migrate 5,000+
miles
Fellers et al.
1998;
White et al.
2002
Ecological Relationships
American peregrine falcon is a mobile top predator, and adults,
therefore, probably are not highly vulnerable to other
predators, although conspecific territorial rivalries can result
in mortality (White et al 2002). However, golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), common
raven (Corvus corax), as well as raccoon (Procyon lotor), and
other mammals may prey on young. It may also compete for
nest sites and prey resources with other raptors and for nest
sites with scavenging birds (Zeiner et al. 1990; White et al.
2002). In the southern portion of the Colorado Plateau, nesting
and hunting areas of peregrine falcon overlaps with golden
eagle, prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), turkey vulture
(Cathartes aura), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), and
common raven, and agonistic interactions as a result of
protecting nest sites are not uncommon (Hays 1987). Agonistic
interactions between peregrine falcon and white-tailed kite
(Elanus leucurus) and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
have also been observed on San Miguel Island off the California
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
coast (Stewart and Delong 1984) and between peregrine falcon
and prairie falcon in Sonoma County (Walton 1978).
Relationships between peregrine falcon and other species may
be complex, and include both positive and negative
relationships. In Italy, the presence of common raven has been
shown to depress breeding success in cliff-nesting peregrine
falcons (Brambilla et al. 2004). On the other hand, Sergio et al.
(2004) found a positive correlation between nest site selection
by peregrine falcon and proximity to common raven,
suggesting an active breeding association between the two
species that may provide early warning cues against predators
and safe alternative nest sites.
The presence of peregrine falcon may have positive effects on
other species by reducing predator impacts in some locations.
On Tatoosh Island in Washington, for example, predation or
restriction of northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus) by
peregrine falcon appears to relate to increases in common
murres (Uria aalge), pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax
pelagicus), and the fledgling rate of black oystercatchers
(Haematopus bachmani), which suffer egg predation by the
crow (Paine et al. 1990). At Triangle Island off British
Columbia, breeding success by common murres and pelagic
cormorants was high in 2003–2006 when nesting peregrines
were present. Over the next 3 years, when nesting peregrine
falcons were absent (2007–2009), common murres were
depredated by bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and
murre eggs were taken by glaucous-winged gulls (Larus
glaucescens) after incubating murres were flushed from nests
by bald eagles (Hipfner et al. 2011). Breeding success by both
common murres and pelagic cormorants was reduced during
the period when nesting peregrine falcons were absent
(Hipfner et al. 2011).
Peregrine falcon may also directly affect the foraging behavior
of other species. In California, peregrine falcons have been
observed to pirate fish and mice from osprey (Pandion
haliaetus) and red-tailed hawk (White et al. 2002).
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Population Status and Trends
Global: Stable (NatureServe 2010)
State: Imperiled (NatureServe 2010)
Within Plan Area: Unknown, but potentially increasing in
Salton Sink and Imperial Valley area (Patten et al. 2003)
Although the American peregrine falcon is widespread in
North America (see discussion in Distribution section), little
was known of its population status prior to the 1940s. The
population was stable from the 1940s until the 1950s to mid1970s, when the population crashed, primarily due to
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (White et al. 2002). In
California, it was estimated that the breeding population had
declined across the state by about 90% by the 1970s, with an
estimated population of 22 to 40 active pairs (Comrack and
Logsdon 2008).
After restrictions on DDT took effect in 1970 in Canada and
1972 in the United States, the population stabilized in the late
1970s and rapidly increased in the 1980s, and it was still
increasing as of 2001 (White et al 2002). The population was
estimated at 2,500 to 3,000 pairs, with 329 eyries in California,
Oregon, and Washington as of 1999 (White et al. 2002). Through
2007 in California, approximately 274 nesting sites were
documented as “active” (i.e., used at least once since 1975) in 40
counties spanning the length of the state (see Table 1 in
Comrack and Logsdon 2008). About 57% of the active nesting
sites are in 8 counties: Santa Barbara (32 sites), Mendocino (29
sites), Humboldt (22 sites), Los Angeles (19 sites), Siskiyou (17
sites), Trinity (15 sites), San Luis Obispo (13 sites), and Sonoma
(10 sites). Reproductive productivity in California also increased
dramatically from 1975 to 1989, from 12 young wild fledged
(i.e., fledged from unmanipulated sites) in 1975 to 99 young
wild fledged in 1989 (see Table 2 in Comrack and Logsdon
2008). As of 2011, the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research
Group database includes 297 active nesting sites and is being
updated by CDFG (CDFG, pers. comm. 2011b).
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
In addition to nesting pairs, there are unpaired “floaters” that
occur, and although prevalent in California, their population
numbers are unknown (CDFG, pers. comm. 2011b).
Despite an increasing population in California, the species is
still designated as imperiled (NatureServe 2010). Nonetheless,
based on an evaluation of a petition to delist the species by
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) staff in 2007
(Comrack and Logsdon 2008), the CDFG Commission delisted
the American peregrine falcon in 2009 for several stated
reasons, including:

The breeding population had increased dramatically
and may have reached or exceeded historic levels on
California.

The threat posed
contamination had
“hotspots” remain.

The federal recovery goals for the California
population had been achieved (resulting in the federal
delisting in 1999), and productivity goals had been
met at most sites, but not all, in California.

The captive breeding and reintroduction program
established in the 1970s and conducted through 1992
was very successful.

Even with delisting, the species would remain fully
protected in CDFG Code, Section 3511(b)(1).
by organochlorine pesticide
diminished, although some
Threats and Environmental Stressors
Prior to federal protection, the main cause of the American
peregrine falcon decline was the use of pesticides such as DDT
and its metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE),
which interfered with its calcium metabolism and resulted in
eggs with thin shells that were easily broken (White et al.
2002; USFWS 2003). Restrictions on DDT in 1970 in Canada
and 1972 in the United States resulted in a rebound of the
peregrine falcon population in North America. However, loss of
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
suitable nesting places and wetland habitat supporting large
avian populations also likely harms the species (White et al.
2002). In addition, nesting sites have been abandoned due to
human encroachment or increased levels of nearby activity
(Bond 1946; Hickey 1969), although these impacts did not
contribute significantly to historical population declines.
Comrack and Logsdon (2008) list other factors that could
result in mortality or injury of peregrine falcons, including
native predators (see discussion in Ecological Relationships
section); predation on young falcons by cats and dogs;
disturbance of nest sites due to recreational rock climbing
(also see Brambilla et al. 2004); activities of researchers,
falconers, and egg collectors; occasional shootings; collisions
with structures or objects, especially by fledglings practicing
their flight; and in urban areas, electrocutions from collisions
with electrical wires or towers.
Conservation and Management Activities
The American peregrine falcon has been the subject of intensive
conservation and management activities since the 1970s,
although no specific activities have been conducted in the Plan
Area. The Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group has been a
leader in conservation and management of the peregrine falcon
in California, as well as Nevada and Oregon, through a captivebreeding program at the University of California, Santa Cruz,
nest augmentation, and a monitoring program conducted since
1975. The captive-breeding program continued until 1992, and
by that time, approximately 800 peregrine falcons had been
released into the wild (Comrack and Logsdon 2008). Current
conservation and management activities include release of
falcons at sites, salvage of young from urban sites where chance
of survival is poor, and continued population monitoring,
including mortality rates from electrocutions (Comrack and
Logsdon 2008; SCPBRG 2011).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serve (USFWS) has continued
monitoring populations of American peregrine falcon since its
delisting in 1999. The USFWS (2003) published the Monitoring
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon that entails monitoring
territories occupancy, nest success, and productivity in six
monitoring regions every 3 years, starting in 2003 and ending
in 2015. For the initial monitoring effort in 2003, nesting
productivity was above the target values that were set in the
monitoring plan parameters (Green et al. 2006). Monitoring
was scheduled for 2006 and 2009, but reports of these
monitoring efforts have not yet been published.
Agencies that manage public lands supporting historic and
active nesting sites (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest
Service) close the sites to the public during the breeding
season; however, because many breeding sites are located on
non-managed lands and enforcement against illegal activity is
difficult, this management probably has limited effectiveness
(Comrack and Logsdon 2008).
Data Characterization
Information about nesting activities by American peregrine
falcons in California is fairly complete through 2007 (see Table 1
in Comrack and Logsdon 2008). As described previously in the
Distribution and Occurrence in Plan Area section, the species is
not known to currently nest in the Plan Area, although
historically it nested in the Parker Dam area and possibly at the
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and Topock Gorge (Comrack
and Logsdon 2008). Non-nesting records for the species are not
tracked in the CNDDB, and available information is primarily
from anecdotal observations and general avian surveys and
assessments (e.g., Patten et al. 2003).
Management and Monitoring Considerations
Within the Plan Area, primary management and monitoring
concerns about migrating and hunting peregrine falcons
include potential impacts from collisions and electrocutions
from energy facilities. As described previously in Spatial
Behavior, this species is considered a “low-altitude” migrant
with flight altitudes that may be less than 330 feet (White et al.
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
2002), making it vulnerable to wind turbines and transmission
lines and towers. Organochlorine pesticides also are
considered a continuing threat to the species in California
(Comrack and Logsdon 2007). Potential indirect impacts to the
species include degradation of wetlands habitats that support
shorebirds and waterfowl, which are important prey for
peregrine falcon.
Based on these kinds of continuing threats, the CDFG (Comrack
and Logsdon 2008) recommended several future management
and monitoring considerations for the American peregrine
falcon that may apply to the Plan Area:

Continued monitoring of mortalities resulting from
collisions with electrical power lines and towers and
determination of whether these mortalities are
contributing to general mortality trends (e.g., first-year
mortality rates).

Continue monitoring efforts and contaminant analyses,
which should include levels of DDE, other
organochlorine pesticides (called HEOD in Comrack and
Logsdon [2008]), polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy
metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium).

Implement monitoring surveys in other localized
regions of California to supplement the larger-scale
post-recovery service monitoring plan for the Pacific
Region (USFWS 2003). These should include
contaminant analyses as described previously.
Predicted Species Distribution in Plan Area
There are 2,119,002 acres of modeled suitable foraging habitat
for American peregrine falcon in the Plan Area. Modeled
suitable foraging habitat occurs primarily in the western
portion of the Plan Area, south of the Salton Sea, and along the
eastern boundary of the Plan Area. Suitable habitat includes
lakes, ponds, reservoirs, playas, and the area along the
Colorado River. Appendix C includes specific model
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American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
parameters and a figure showing the modeled suitable habitat
in the Plan Area.
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