Recoveries of Peregrine Falcons Migrating through the Eastern and Central United States

Ward, F.; Riddle, K.; Yates, M.

We analyzed western henisphere bandings and recoveries of peregrines on file with the Bird Banding Laboratory from January 1955 through Jtlle 1985. Greenland records were included. Captive-bred peregrines (and their progeny) and individuals in captivity more than one week were excluded. This study focused on east and Gulf coast migrants. The dominant northern population represented in east coast recoveries is that of Greenland, which accounted for more than half of the falcons banded as nestlings recovered there. Alaskan peregrines dominate Texas Gulf coast recoveries. Canadian Arctic populations are associated with a broad-front southerly migration. Very little interchange among banding stations was found between peregrines banded on the east and Gulf coasts. Recoveries of autumn migrant peregrines banded in Wisconsin indicate a substantial inland migration passing through the area from Alabana to the southern Atlantic coast and mostly sharing wintering areas unique to east coast migrants. East and Gulf coast migrants share wintering areas in most of Central and South America, but east coast birds have not been recorded wintering b:!tween Hooduras and the U.S. border. Gulf coast migrants have not been encountered in the northeastern one-third of South America or in the West Indies/Antilles corridor. Mortality records of 88 peregrines banded as juveniles were examined data indicate that about 63% did not survivethrough completion of their first spring migration north.