Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus Jul–Feb

An incredible flyer, this bird is able to reach speeds of over 200 mph and hunts other birds by climbing to dizzying heights and diving head first in a maneuver known as a stoop. The prey is either plucked straight out of the air, or stunned with a punch using a clenched foot and then grabbed as it falls. These falcons can often be found in cities, since there are plentiful food sources such as pigeons and starlings. Tall buildings also provide nesting spots and a good vantage point. In appearance, they have dark patches on the side of the face that look something like sideburns, and are generally dark gray on top and lighter below with beautiful striation on the legs, lower body, and underside of the wings and tail.

In 1996 a nesting box was placed on the tallest skyscraper in Providence, the Industrial National Bank Building (nicknamed "the Superman building") at 111 Westminster street, by raptor specialist and now retired science teacher, Joe Zbyrowski. In 2000, the first pair of peregrines used the nest, and it has been occupied ever since. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island operates a bird cam in the spring, which gives viewers a glimpse into the life of a falcon family. The eggs are laid around late March, hatching a month later, and in early June 2024, four chicks successfully left the nest.