The Peregrine Falcon is a truly iconic bird of prey, renowned for its incredible speed – it's the fastest animal on the planet during its hunting dive (the "stoop"). In Oregon, you can find them as both resident and migratory populations, often around tall structures where they can nest and survey for prey.

Like many raptors, Peregrine Falcons display sexual dimorphism, meaning females are noticeably larger than males. While their plumage patterns are generally similar, this size difference is the most reliable way to tell them apart in the field.

General Characteristics (Both Sexes)
Size: A large, crow-sized falcon, typically 14-19 inches (36-48 cm) in length with a wingspan of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm).
Head: Both sexes have a distinctive dark "helmet" or "hood" that covers the top of their head and extends down onto the cheeks, forming bold, thick "sideburn" or "moustache" stripes that contrast sharply with a white throat and pale neck.
Upperparts: Adults are generally **slate-gray to bluish-black** on their back and long, pointed wings.
Underparts: The breast is whitish to buffy, heavily barred with thin, dark horizontal bands across the belly and flanks.
Flight: Powerful, direct flight with rapid wingbeats. Known for their spectacular "stoops" (dives) from great heights to catch prey in mid-air.
Diet: Almost exclusively birds, from small passerines to larger ducks and shorebirds. They are highly efficient aerial hunters.
Nesting: They do not build stick nests. Instead, they scrape out shallow depressions on cliff ledges (their natural habitat) or on human-made structures that mimic cliffs, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and power pylons.

Male Peregrine Falcon in Oregon
Size: Males are significantly smaller than females. They typically weigh between 12-35 oz (330-1,000 g). This size difference allows the pair to hunt a wider range of prey species, with the male often targeting more agile, smaller birds.
Coloration: While the overall plumage pattern is similar to the female, males tend to be a slightly more uniform and often a bit paler **slate-gray** on their upperparts. The barring on their underparts might appear a bit finer.
Flight Style (subtle): Some observers note that the male's wingbeats in powered flight might appear slightly more rapid and kestrel-like due to their smaller size.

Female Peregrine Falcon in Oregon
Size: Females are considerably larger and heavier than males, sometimes weighing up to 50% more. They typically weigh between 25-53 oz (700-1,500 g). This larger size allows them to subdue and carry larger prey.
Coloration: Females also have slate-gray to bluish-black upperparts, but they may sometimes appear slightly darker or browner than males, though this can be subtle and variable. The barring on their underparts can sometimes appear bolder or more extensive.
Build: Their larger size gives them a more robust and powerful appearance compared to the males.

Important Considerations for Oregon:
Subspecies: The "American Peregrine Falcon" (Falco peregrinus anatum) is the common breeding subspecies in Oregon.
Juveniles: Juvenile Peregrine Falcons of both sexes look different from adults. They are typically browner overall, with streaked (vertical) underparts rather than barred (horizontal). Their cere (fleshy part above the beak) and orbital ring are often pale bluish, unlike the adult's yellow. As they mature, they gradually gain the adult plumage.
Habitat in Oregon: You can find Peregrine Falcons across various habitats in Oregon, especially where there are cliffs or tall structures for nesting and open areas for hunting. This includes:
Coastal cliffs and islands (common areas for breeding)
River valleys and canyons
Lakes and wetlands (due to abundant waterfowl and shorebirds)
Urban and suburban areas (nesting on tall buildings, bridges, and even industrial structures, hunting pigeons and other city birds).