Rachel Peregrine Falcon

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus

Hatch Year: 2015

Non-releasable due to: injured by shooting

Peregrine Falcon Facts:

Peregrines are the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds up to 240 mph while diving for prey.
They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide (DDT) poisoning in the middle 20th century but their numbers are growing due to a ban on DDT in 1972.
Peregrines nest on skyscrapers, water towers, cliffs, power pylons, and other tall structures.
“Peregrine” means wanderer.
Rachel is named after Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, which documents the adverse effects on the environment of the indiscriminate use of pesticides.