Now populations are strong in those nations, and in some parts of the globe, there actually may be more peregrines than existed before the 20th-century decline. Captive breeding programs have also helped to boost the bird's numbers in the U.S. The birds have rebounded strongly since the use of DDT and other chemical pesticides was curtailed. Peregrine populations were in steep decline during the mid-20th century, and in the United States these beautiful falcons became an endangered species.
Some nesting sites have been in continuous use for hundreds of years, occupied by successive generations of falcons. However, as with some Peregrine Falcons in other Eastern states, a pair nested (successfully) on a skyscraper, in the Piedmont in 2013. Yet they have an incredible homing instinct that leads them back to favored aeries. Peregrine Falcons nest (in North Carolina) essentially only on ledges in near-vertical cliffs, and forage widely over forests, cliffs, and gorges. Those that nest on Arctic tundra and winter in South America fly as many as 15,500 miles in a year. The wings and tail are bluish-gray, while the back and head are a darker brown. These birds may travel widely outside the nesting season-their name means "wanderer." Though some individuals are permanent residents, many migrate. Peregrine falcons can be hard to identify because of their quick flight and camouflage coloring. Peregrines are even known to live on bridges and skyscrapers in major cities. They prefer wide-open spaces, and thrive near coasts where shorebirds are common, but they can be found everywhere from tundra to deserts. Peregrine falcons are among the world's most common birds of prey and live on all continents except Antarctica. Peregrines hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive that can top 200 miles an hour. These falcons are formidable hunters that prey on other birds (and bats) in mid-flight.
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