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GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Species Code: FAPE

This is an "at risk" species

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Two distinct subspecies breed in Washington: Peale's Peregrine Falcon (F. p. pealei): This subspecies can be found along coastal cliffs and rocks, especially along the outer coast and throughout the San Juans, and also in suitable locations all along the Puget Sound. They feed on a wide variety of prey, including seabirds at their nesting colonies. A pair nested in downtown Seattle for the first time in 1994 and returned in 1995 and 1996. Another pair stayed in downtown Tacoma throughout the 1996 breeding season. Continental Peregrine Falcon (F. p. anatum): This subspecies is rare and local in eastern Washington. They were formerly extirpated from Washington but are now being reintroduced at certain locations. A pair has successfully nested at Beacon Rock for several years. Additionally, captive-reared young birds have been released at several sites in eastern Washington.

Peale's Peregrine Falcon: All coastal cliffs in the Sitka Spruce, Puget Sound Douglas-fir, and Western Hemlock zones were included as good habitat in the core areas of use. However, only a small portion of the coastal habitat was explicitly delineated on our land cover map, so due to scale limitations, this model will not represent all of the available habitat. We did not model the Peregrine Falcon in the downtown Seattle area because breeding there has thus far only occurred for three years.

Continental Peregrine Falcon: No habitat was modeled for this subspecies due to the rare and unpredictable occurrence of reintroduced birds.

Peale's Peregrine Falcon has relatively stable populations of known status in Washington. The Continental was decimated by DDT (until its ban) and is returning largely due to reintroductions by humans.

Additional notes:

This species is endangered in Washington State, as well as of federal concern. It is rare and local in the far West. It winters in Baja California, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the East coast. The peregrine falcon breeds in Alaska, the Arctic and Greenland, as well as year-around in several western states.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester