Peregrine Falcons are one of the most widely distributed land animals in the world, having been observed on every content in the world except for Antarctica. Highly regarded as a noble bird by biologists and licensed falconers, Peregrines have darker, striped plumage and tapered wings for aerodynamic flight.

Although currently classified as Least Concern, Peregrine Falcon populations weren’t always stable. Peregrines essentially disappeared from the east coast in the 1960s, and were on the brink of extinction in the United States (U.S.) due to harmful pesticide effects, particularly DDT. Conservation measures for the species have been very successful, and the U.S. Peregrine Falcon population quickly recovered. The species was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999, just 29 years after being placed on the list. 

To further the study of wild Peregrine Falcon populations, particularly in urban areas, the National Aviary hosts a live stream of the Peregrine family living high atop the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning: The National Aviary’s Peregrine FalconCam. Tune in every spring and summer to see the current happenings of a wild pair – who knows, they might even raise a few chicks!