Parks & Recreation

Meet the Peregrine Falcon at Wildwood Zoo

peregrine

We have one Peregrine Falcon at the zoo. His name is Perri. Our peregrine falcon has one damaged wing. He was a wild bird that was rescued with a broken wing. He lived in a zoo in Milwaukee for a while before moving to Wildwood Zoo. Usually he can be found in his favorite spot in his exhibit, the back left corner.

Peregrine Falcons are an endangered species in Wisconsin. They were nearly extirpated in the 1960s due to pesticide contamination. They have since made a dramatic comeback and hopefully it is only a matter of time before they are removed from the endangered species list.

Peregrine falcons are about the size of a crow and are especially known for their speed and power. Peregrines can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour when diving to kill prey. Typically, the speed of this “stoop” will knock the prey to the ground. Peregrines used to be called “duck hawks” because a common prey items was ducks.

Today, peregrines are becoming more common in urban areas and will feed on pigeons, starlings, and any other bird they can find.

Peregrine Falcon Range in North America

peregrine range

For more information, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.