(Falco peregrinus)
Photos by Chris Martin, NH Audubon
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NH Conservation Status: Threatened
Federal Status: Not listed
Peregrine falcons are legally protected in New Hampshire. Possession and take (which includes harming, harassing, injuring and killing) is illegal.
Distribution: Statewide, primarily in mountains, urban areas, and coastal marshes
Description: Approximately 3.5’ wingspan with blue-gray back, barred white or buff colored underneath, and a black tear stripe on head.
Commonly Confused Species: Merlins are similar in color but smaller in size.
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, most with cliffs for nesting and open areas for foraging. Also found in large cities where it nests on buildings.
Life History: Peregrine falcons begin breeding at one year of age and pairs mate for life. Females lay 2-5 eggs in the spring and young hatch after about 30 days of incubation. Chicks are able to fly when they are 35-42 days old. Peregrines feed mostly on medium-sized birds, but may also prey on small mammals and reptiles. It is a very fast flier especially in pursuit of prey.
Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH.
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