Idaho State Raptor

Peregrine Falcon

(Falco peregrinus)

Adopted in 2004.

The Peregrine Falcon , Falco peregrinus, was adopted as the state raptor for Idaho by the legislature in 2004. The scientific name comes from the Latin words falco, meaning hook-shaped (falcate) and may refer to the beak or claws, and peregrinus, meaning to wander. Peregrines have also been called Duck Hawk, Great-footed Hawk, and Wandering Falcon.

Idaho is the only state that has adopted an official raptor and it was done with the help of fourth-grade students from Peregrine Elementary School in Meridian and from St. Joseph's Elementary School in Boise.

As a result of the efforts of the students, House Bill No. 712, to adopt the peregrine falcon as the official raptor of Idaho, was introduced and read for the first time on February 16, 2004 and was read for the required 3rd time and approved by the House ten days later on February 26, and approved unanimously by the Senate on March 19, 2003.

Governor Dick Kempthorne signed the legislation adopting the peregrine falcon as Idaho's "... state raptor of the state of Idaho."

Description of Idaho State Raptor

This crow-sized falcon is admired for its incredible speeds which are seldom exceeded by any other bird. Plunging from tremendous heights, the peregrine falcon can reach up to 180 mph in pursuit of prey. It feeds primarily on birds, which it takes on the wing.

Adult peregrines are slate-grey above and pale below, with fine dark bars and spots on their underparts. Both adults and immatures have a wide, dark "moustache" mark below the eye. The tail is narrow and the wings long and pointed. Juveniles are brown overall, with dark streaking below. Airborne, this falcon can be recognized by characteristic rapid wingbeats interspersed with long glides.

Life History

Peregrine falcons generally return to the same nesting territory annually and mate for life. The courtship flight is a spectacular sight. The pair climbs high in the air and performs a precise acrobatic act of whirling spirals and steep rapid dives, often touching in midair. The average clutch consists of three to four eggs which hatch after an incubation period of 29-32 days. The single brood fledges after 35-42 days. Both parents participate in incubation and brooding activities, but the female remains at the nest for the majority of the time while the male hunts and brings food to her and the young. Young falcons may stay in the area for about six weeks after they fledge, developing their flying and hunting skills. Sexual maturity is generally reached at two years of age, but one-year-olds have been known to produce young. Individuals may live as long as 20 years.