Peregrine Research Articles

Serratospiculosis in a wild peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) from the Cerrado region, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Serratospiculum spp. are common parasites of the air sacs of Falconiformes. The objective of this study was to report a case of Serratospiculum sp. infection in an adult peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). In February 2020, an adult female peregrine falcon was found in an urban area in the municipality of Uberlândia, and the environmental authorities brought it to the Wildlife Research Laboratory, at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The bird was unable to fly and was in poor health condition. A clinical examination revealed severe dehydration, complete carpometacarpal fracture in the left wing, confirmed by radiography, and wheezing upon auscultation of the lungs and air sacs. To confirm a possible parasitic infection of the air sacs, an endoscopic examination was performed. Two nematodes were retrieved from the right abdominal air sac, and one identified as Serratospiculum sp. based on the distinctive epaulettes representative of this genus. Even with a low parasite burden, the bird presented characteristic clinical signs that can be associated, either directly or indirectly, with Serratospiculum sp. infection. Despite this, more studies are needed to evaluate the unknown clinical aspects of this disease.

Influence of perfluoroalkyl acids and other parameters on circulating thyroid hormones and immune-related microRNA expression in free-ranging nestling peregrine falcons

Exposure to certain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) can have considerable effects on the endocrine and immune systems, although such effects remain largely uncharacterized in wildlife. Using an apex avian predator, we investigated possible relationships of thyroid hormones (THs), specifically free (F) and total (T) thyroxine (FT4; TT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3; TT3), and the expression of an immune-related microRNA biomarker (i.e., miR-155), with the concentrations of 11 PFAAs in nestling peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Nestling peregrines (n = 56; usually two chicks of each sex per nest) were blood sampled when 23 ± 4 days old in urban and rural regions of the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin (Ontario, Canada) in 2016 and 2018. The circulating concentrations of several PFAAs were significantly associated with THs and estimated thyroid gland activity (TT3:TT4; FT3:FT4), including PFHxS (FT3; FT3:FT4), PFDS (TT3; TT3:TT4), PFOA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFTeDA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFHxDA (TT4; TT3:TT4) and ΣPFCAs (TT4). Our novel evaluation of miR-155 in peregrine nestlings identified significantly negative relationships of plasma miR-155 counts with PFHxS and PFOA concentrations, indicating potential down-regulation of miR-155 expression and impaired immunity. Several PFAA homologues significantly predicted the variation in THs and miR-155 in conjunction with year (e.g., inter-annual differences in weather, ambient temperature, rainfall), region (urban/rural), nestling age, and/or diet (trophic position; δ15N), which suggests that multiple environmental and biological stressors, including PFAA exposure, influenced thyroid activity and immune function in these nestlings. Further research is warranted to identify the mechanisms and additional impacts of PFAA-related thyroid and immune disruption on the growth, development, and health risks in developing birds.

Breeding habitat selection of urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in London

Abstract Understanding habitat selection by individual animals within their home range is crucial to facilitating their conservation. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations are increasingly urbanised, but little is known about their urban habitat use. In this study, we analysed the breeding habitat selection of peregrine falcons in London, United Kingdom, based on nest site locations identified through records of public sightings submitted to an online database between 2003 and 2018. We found peregrines displayed a preference for nesting in proximity to waterbodies, built-up areas and public parks and gardens, while wooded, agricultural and allotments areas were least preferred. We hypothesise that peregrines seek contrasting topography that proves advantageous for hunting in the vicinity of their nests, resulting in their selection of breeding sites within tall buildings that are adjacent to suitable foraging areas. From these findings, we conclude that (i) social drivers such as demand for green spaces and waterbodies near buildings shape peregrine nesting opportunities in the city and (ii) for urban planning to support conservation, we need further understanding of how each type of greenspace may be used differentially by raptors.

Influence of introduced peregrine falcons on the distribution of red knots within a spring staging site.

Predator recovery driven by single-species management approaches may lead to conservation conflicts between recovered predators and prey species of conservation concern. As part of an aggressive recovery plan, the Eastern Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team released (1975–1985) 307 captive-reared peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and successfully established a breeding population within the mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain, a physiographic region with no historic breeding population and a critical spring staging area for migratory shorebirds. We examined the influence of resident falcons on the distribution of foraging red knots during spring migration. We conducted weekly aerial surveys (2006–2009) along the Virginia barrier islands during the spring staging period (25 April– 6 June) to map foraging red knots (Calidris canutus) and evaluated the influence of proximity (0–3, 3–6, >6 km) of beaches to active peregrine falcon nests on knot density (birds/km). Accumulated use of beaches throughout the season by red knots was significantly influenced by proximity of beaches to active falcon nests such that mean density was more than 6 fold higher on beaches that were >6 km compared to beaches that were only 0–3 km from active eyries. Whether or not an eyrie was used in a given year had a significant influence on the use of associated close (0–3 km) beaches. From 6.5 to 64 fold more knots used beaches when associated eyries were not active compared to when they were active depending on the specific site. Historically, red knots and other migratory shorebirds would have enjoyed a peregrine-free zone within this critical staging site. The establishment of a dense breeding population of falcons within the area represents a new hazard for the knot population.

Redescription of Serratospiculum seurati Bain & Mawson, 1981 (Nematoda; Diplotriaenidae) from Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771).

Air sac nematodes from birds are known for more than 200 years now and Filaria attenuata was the first described species from falcons, owl and corvid birds. The superficial description and the loss of the original material made F. attenuata a species inquirenda. Seurat (1915) redescribed the species with material from lanner falcon and pallid harrier from Algeria and based on this description Bain and Mawson, Rec S Aust Mus 18:265-28, (1981) created a new species, Serratospiculum seurati, by adding some, slightly divergent, measurements. The current paper is based on light and scanning electron microscopy of five male and 10 female S. seurati specimens from a Peregrine falcon that acquired the infection in Pakistan. The length of the slender male and female nematodes varied between 42-70 and 165-221 mm, respectively, spicules of unequal shape and length measured 292-325 and 638-785 μm. S. seurati was also found in Saker, Barbary and crossbreed falcons.

Conservation genetics of regionally extinct peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and unassisted recovery without genetic bottleneck in southern England

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) has been affected by persecution, pollution, trade, and habitat degradation, but it is considered a flagship conservation success story because of successful reintroductions and population recoveries across broad ranges. However, in the UK there were never formal reintroduction programmes for peregrine falcons, and it appears that UK populations—and specifically the Sussex peregrines of the English south coast—recently recovered from a population crash unassisted. To study this, we obtained samples from contemporary populations in southern England, Ireland, continental Europe, domestic-bred peregrine falcons, and from England pre-population crash. Using microsatellite and mtDNA control region data, the genetic diversity and structure, signatures of genetic bottlenecks, and potential origin of the Sussex peregrines was investigated. We found low levels of genetic diversity across all peregrine falcon groups, low but significant genetic differentiation, and a few private alleles, indicating some level of genetic structure among European peregrines. Although we could not pinpoint the origin of the Sussex peregrines, the data suggests that it is not likely to have originated from escaped domestic birds or from adjacent European populations. The results obtained here parallel other studies on peregrines elsewhere showing low genetic diversity but genetic structure. We conclude that not enough time elapsed for genetic erosion to occur due to the population bottleneck, and that at least for the Sussex peregrines there is no need for genetic conservation by wild-take and subsequent captive breeding programmes as long as current protection measures remain in place.

Assessing the introduction of exotic raptors into the wild from falconry

Falconry may constitute a source of exotic species through the escape into the wild of individuals kept in captivity. The introduction of top predators can have important ecological consequences for the recipient community, including genetic pollution through reproduction between falconry hybrids and wild raptors. Here we assessed the introduction of falconry raptors (both native and exotic) into the wild between 2006 and 2018 through reports of lost, stolen and recaptured birds on a website widely used by the falconer community in Spain. Exotics were 60.9% of the 1995 raptors reported as escaped in the wild (mean rate: 76.7 individuals per year) belonging to 33 species (or subspecies not native to the study area) and 27 hybrid morphs. Escapes, which numbers show a quadratic trend along years with maximums between 2010 and 2012, were aggregated in the most populated areas. The main cause of these escapes was the use of defective materials by the falconers. Although people devote much effort to ensuring that their birds are not lost, 64.3% of escaped raptors were unrecovered, and recapture rates were lower for native raptors (29.9%) compared to exotics (39.4%). Harris’s hawk was the most frequently introduced species (i.e., unrecovered), followed by peregrine falcons and hybrids. This study quantifies for the first time the introduction rate of exotic raptors in the wild from falconry and proposes measures to regulate and improve this practice.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ БИОТОПИЧЕСКОГО РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ГНЕЗДЯЩИХСЯ ПТИЦ КАРАДАГСКОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВЕДНИКА (КРЫМ)

The article gives a classification of biotopes and analyzes the features of the biotopic distribution of nesting birds of the Karadag nature reserve (2874.2 hectares), located in the extreme east of the Main ridge of the Crimean Mountains and including the Karadag mountain group (2065.1 hectares) with the adjacent Black Sea water area (809.1 hectares). On the basis of previously developed schemes and taking into account our own research, the following main types of habitats were identified: 1) natural tree and shrub vegetation; 2) open grassy biotopes; 3) rocky landforms; 4) seashore (except for rocky forms); 5) anthropogenic biotopes. Seventy-nine bird species were recorded nesting in the reserve. Ornithocomplex of natural wood and shrub communities includes 52 species, including 40 in oak open woodlands, 21 in juniper open woodlands and 32 in forests. The ornithocomplex of rocks (13 species: 9 on seaside rocks and 10 on off-shore cliffs) is characterized by high specificity as 9 species nest exclusively in these biotopes. The ornithocomplex of open herbaceous habitats is depleted and sparsely specific (10 species, most of which are common with sparse woodlands). The species composition of nesting birds of the sea coast (ground cliffs in bays, beaches with coarse material) is extremely poor (2 species). Thus, the basis of the nesting avifauna of the reserve is formed by the species of tree-shrub and rocky biotopes (in total, 82,3 % of the species composition). These ornithocomplexes include 67–89 % of the species composition of the corresponding habitats in the eastern part of the Mountainous Crimea. On the other hand, the small area, peripheral location and isolation of the Karadag mountain group resulted in the absence of a number of rare species in these biotopes and the low abundance of some species common and numerous in other regions of Eastern Crimea. At least 37 species (46,8 % of nesting avifauna) use anthropogenic biotopes – forest plantations (21 species), park (18), buildings (11), freshwater reservoirs (2). Ten species listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation (7) and Crimea (9) nest in the reserve. Most of them (7 species) inhabit rock and rock-coastal biotopes, including 4 species nesting on coastal cliffs of the Beregovaya ridge. The role of the reserve is significant for preservation of Phalacrocorax aristotelis (about 10 % of the Crimean population) and Falco peregrinus (about 7 %).

Peregrine Falcon Scavenges Adult Herring Gull at Nest Site on Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada

Peregrine Falcon Scavenges Adult Herring Gull at Nest Site on Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada

DESCRIPTION OF A PEREGRINE FALCON (FALCO PEREGRINUS) FENCE MORTALITY IN THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS OF TEXAS

Many causes of mortality have been reported for the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), but there are no published descriptions of fence mortalities for this species. We report on a recently deceased juvenile peregrine falcon that was found ensnared on the top strand of a barbed-wire fence on 24 August 2018 in Hale County, Texas. The cause of mortality was determined to be from exposure after being ensnared by a barb on the fence, a previously undescribed cause of fence-related mortality for the species. This mortality illustrates the novel hazard that fencing and other such structures pose to wildlife, and highlights problems with using barbed fencing because it increases the risk of mortality due to ensnarement and exposure in addition to the risk of blunt-force trauma from collision.

Extreme color variation in the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in Patagonia

From fieldwork begun in 1979 and continuing intermittently until the present, we show the range in variation in pigmentation of Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) native to the Patagonian region of South America. This variation nearly equals the full range in Peregrine Falcon color variation for all races worldwide. The pallid morph is paler than any other peregrine, and in extreme southern Patagonia, most dark or normal morph adults are as pale or paler than extremely pale arctic peregrines from northern Asia and North America. In the forests of the southern Andes Mountains, there are richly colored (i.e., with deep red-brown ventral background pigmentation) falcons that approach or equal the darkest peregrines anywhere. Some juvenile peregrines are more deeply red-brown ventrally than any other juveniles worldwide. Most important, we introduce the hypothesis that non-pallid adult color variants are largely segregated by habitat type. By inference, this suggests that adjacent ecotypes may represent different subspecies.

Colaboración científica con la Armada de Chile en estudios ornitológicos a largo plazo en el archipiélago Diego Ramírez: Primer monitoreo del ciclo anual del ensamble de aves en la isla Gonzalo

Biocultural conservation increasingly requires transdisciplinary collaborations, which includes different disciplines, institutions and actors. The collaboration between scientists and the Chilean Navy has been an effective way to address this requirement. This inter-institutional collaboration between the Navy and the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program (University of Magallanes, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and Omora Foundation in Chile, and the University of North Texas in the US) enabled us to initiate in 2016 long-term ornithological studies in the Diego Ramirez archipelago, which includes the southernmost islands of the American continent. Until now, its avifauna has been studied exclusively during summer seasons, despite the fact that birds are one of the most sensitive and fastest responding groups of animals to climate change; modifying their periods of migration, residence and nesting, their population sizes, and their latitudinal distribution areas. In addition, subpolar regions are especially sensitive to climate change and studies in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, adjacent to the Diego Ramirez archipelago, suggest that some species could be expanding their latitudinal distribution spheres and changing their migration dates. The objective of this work is to initiate a systematic monitoring of the species composition and the nesting, migration and/or residence dates of the Diego Ramirez archipelago birdlife at the southern tip of the Magallanes sub-Antarctic ecoregion. In this study we present an update of the avifauna records for the Gonzalo Island, Diego Ramirez Archipelago, including the first fall and winter records, and sightings at other times of year. In three expeditions, during the austral reproductive season (spring-summer, November 29-December 1, 2016), winter (July 20-22, 2017) and fall (March 28-April 1, 2018), birds were monitored using mist-nets and creating species lists from field observations. For the observations of birds throughout the year, we used the photographic records made by Jose Mella (coauthor) and Jose Mejia (Navy petty officers at Gonzalo Island Lighthouse, years 2014-2018), and new photographic records were initiated with trained personnel of the Navy of Chile in the lighthouse of Gonzalo Island. Nine of these species represent new records for the archipelago: Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus Gmelin, 1789), Western cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758)), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771), Austral negrito (Lessonia rufa Gmelin, 1789), Austral thrush (Turdus falcklandii Quoy & Gaimard, 1824), Rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis Muller, 1776), Black-chinned siskin (Spinus barbatus Molina, 1782), Blue-and-White Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica D’Orbigni & Lafresnaye, 1837) and Black-bellied storm petrel (Fregetta tropica Gould, 1844). Some of these new records could be associated with global warming and a recent expansion of the latitudinal distribution areas and/or the residence periods of these birds. Among the 33 species, 26 were recorded in spring-summer, 22 in fall, and 14 in winter. However, nine were sighted only occasionally and it will be necessary in the future to determine whether they are resident species that are seldom observed, or occasional visitors. Regarding conservation status, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the avifauna of the Diego Ramirez Archipelago includes an endangered species (Grey-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma Forster, 1785), three vulnerable species and four almost threatened. Monitoring on these islands provides a baseline to evaluate the status of bird populations under the threats of global change, among which the threat of invasive species is highlighted. It is critical to prevent the arrival of rats (Rattus spp.), mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758), cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758), and American mink (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777), which are present in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, located less than 100 km north of the Diego Ramirez archipelago . The collaborative work with the Chilean Navy has been crucial to start these long-term ornithological studies, associated with the new Long Term Socio-Ecological Studies Site Gonzalo Island-LTSER that forms part of the Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological Studies Network (LTSER-Chile), and the International Long-Term Ecological Studies Network (ILTER). A main goal will be to combine avifauna monitoring with detection of potential invasive species

The Peregrine Falcons of Devil's Kitchen: Raising a family in 2019

The Peregrine Falcons of Devil's Kitchen: Raising a family in 2019

Interspecific correlations toward climatic factors in migratory raptor species across Mt. Sega, Karangasem, Bali

It has been known that climate change can affect organisms in various ways. For example, studies found that climate change affect phenology i.e. migratory arrival of migratory species. This study was aimed to find out whether the migratory arrival of five species of bird of prey flying across Mt. Sega Karangasem – Bali correlates with climate factors in the region. This study took place from 1 October to 30 November 2018 by using look up method, and found that air temperature, cloud cover, humidity, and air pressure had a stronger correlation toward the migratory bird of prey species that crossed over the Mt. Sega compared to wind speed and precipitation. The air temperature, cloud cover and wind speed had a positive correlation toward the migratory bird of prey arrival, whereas the negative correlation was demonstrated by humidity, air pressure, and precipitation. The presence of the Chinese Sparrow-hawk and the Short-toed Snake Eagle were correlated with the humidity. Whereas the presence of the Peregrine falcon was correlated with the cloud cover. The presence of the Oriental Honey Buzzard was correlated with the wind speed, while the precipitation and air pressure were correlated with the presence of the Japanese Sparrow-hawk. The Japanese Sparrow-hawk arrived earlier at 10.00 whereas the other four species arrived later at around 12.00.

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Trichomonas gallinae in falcons in Saudi Arabia.

Avian trichomonosis is primarily caused by Trichomonas gallinae, a flagellated protozoan parasite that especially infects the upper digestive tract of columbid bird species and their avian predators. However, this parasite has recently been found to be distributed worldwide in various other avian species. This parasitic disease is common in captive falcons in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. This study aimed to examine and identify the genetic variation of T. gallinae obtained from three species of falcons in Saudi Arabia via the sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Swab samples from 97 saker falcons (Falco cherrug), 24 peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and 37 gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) were cultured and analysed for infection between 2018 and 2019. The overall prevalence of infection by T. gallinae was 26.58% (n = 42), of which 35 (83.33%) were collected from Riyadh region and seven (16.67%) were collected from Qassim region. The results indicate the presence of four genotypes of T. gallinae in Saudi falcons: A, C, II, and KSA11. This study reports for the first time genetic diversity of T. gallinae in these falcons in Saudi Arabia.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in merlins (Falco columbarius) and cross-species amplification in gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus) and peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus).

Merlins, Falco columbarius, breed throughout temperate and high latitude habitats in Asia, Europe, and North America. Like peregrine falcons, F. peregrinus, merlins underwent population declines during the mid-to-late twentieth century, due to organochlorine-based contamination, and have subsequently recovered, at least in North American populations. To better understand levels of genetic diversity and population structuring in contemporary populations and to assess the impact of the twentieth century decline, we used genomic data archived in public databases and constructed genomic libraries to isolate and characterize a suite of 17 microsatellite markers for use in merlins. We also conducted cross-amplification experiments to determine the markers' utility in peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons, F. rusticolus. These markers provide a valuable addition to marker suites that can be used to determine individual identity and conduct genetic analyses on merlins and congeners.

Killing of raptors on grouse moors: evidence and effects

Owing to the intensity of game management in Britain, managers of grouse moors have illegally killed raptors to increase the numbers of Red GrouseLagopus l. scoticaavailable for shooting. This paper summarizes evidence for the recent scale of illegal raptor killing on grouse moors and its effects on populations. It provides insights into how raptors themselves respond demographically to different levels of killing. Over Britain as a whole, most raptors have increased and expanded considerably since the 1970s, in response to reduced killing and nest destruction, and the diminished impacts of organo‐chlorine pesticides; however, in recent decades the populations of some species have declined on and around grouse moors. This is widely evident in Hen HarrierCircus cyaneus, Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusand Golden EagleAquila chrysaetospopulations and in more restricted areas also in Northern GoshawkAccipiter gentilisand Red KiteMilvus milvuspopulations, in all of which illegal killing has been sufficient to affect numbers over wider areas. The evidence consists mainly of: (1) greater disappearance of nesting pairs, lower breeding densities or reduced occupancy of apparently suitable traditional territories on grouse moors compared with other areas; (2) reduced nest success compared with other areas; (3) reduced adult survival compared with other areas; (4) reduced age of first breeding, reflecting the removal of adults from nesting territories and their replacement by birds in immature plumage; (5) greater levels of disappearance of satellite‐tracked birds on grouse moors than elsewhere; and (6) the finding of poisoned baits and traps, and shot or poisoned carcasses of raptors. Not all these types of evidence are available for every species, and other types of evidence are available for some. The Common BuzzardButeo buteois currently the most numerous raptor in Britain and also seems to be killed in the greatest numbers. Other raptor species, including MerlinFalco columbarius, Common KestrelFalco tinnunculusand Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisuswhich nest on or near grouse moors, have little or no significant impact on grouse and are killed less often or not at all. In the absence of illegal killing, some raptor species breed as well or better on grouse moors than in other habitats. Merlins, in particular, seem to thrive on grouse moors, benefiting from the management involved (including predator control). Other aspects of illegal raptor killing are discussed, including suggestions for ways in which it might be reduced.

Peregrine Falcon Survival Rates Derived from a Long-Term Study at a Migratory and Overwintering Area in Coastal Washington, USA

After a well-documented recovery following substantial population declines throughout most of North America, the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was delisted under provisions of the Endangered Species Act in 1999. Post-delisting monitoring for the Peregrine Falcon stipulated surveys of breeding locations and did not specifically emphasize other metrics of population dynamics such as survival. We used banding data from Peregrine Falcons captured on the Washington coast during 1212 vehicle surveys between 1995 and 2018 to assess apparent survival and resighting frequencies. Our mark-recapture data set included 226 Peregrine Falcons: 148 females and 78 males. Fourteen Peregrine Falcons were recovered dead and another eight were found injured or uninjured and unable to fly due to illness or substantially soiled feathers. We had 744 resightings, 67.1% (n = 499) by our research group during surveys (Group A) and 32.9% (n = 245) by others (Group B). We found a dramatic increase in Group B contributions beginning in 2008 due to the emergence of digital camera use in wildlife photography and increased public awareness of our project. Data from 1995 to 2018 supported the estimation of apparent survival for three age classes of Peregrine Falcons: 0.424 (SE = 0.057) for hatch-year ( 2 yr old). Our long-term mark-resighting analyses of overwintering and migratory Peregrine Falcons along the Washington coast provide evidence of a reasonably high level of apparent survival that suggests good population performance.

Linking Peregrine Falcons' (Falco peregrinus) Wintering Areas in Peru with Their North American Natal and Breeding Grounds

Identifying migratory raptors' wintering areas and migration routes is an essential part of predicting their responses to habitat and climate change throughout their annual cycles, and therefore important for their conservation. Among the world's most widespread migratory species, the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) has been the subject of intensive study on its breeding grounds and at some migratory stopover sites, but the links between its breeding, stopover, and wintering areas remain poorly known. In particular, few empirical data are available on migratory F. p. tundrius and F. p. anatum (hereafter, Nearctic peregrines) wintering in South America during the austral spring and summer. Here, we present evidence connecting Nearctic peregrines wintering in Peru with their natal and breeding territories in North America using mark-recapture data collected between 1963 and 2019. We documented eight encounters of banded wintering Nearctic peregrines, whose natal origins or breeding regions included the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon Territory in Canada, and Alaska, Minnesota, and Nebraska in the USA. Our findings indicate that both tundrius and anatum peregrines winter in Peru and originate from a widespread geographic breeding range, corroborating other research suggesting that Nearctic peregrine migration is highly dispersive. Peregrines exhibit sex-related differential migration patterns in which males tend to migrate farther than females, and our data from the capture of 208 Nearctic peregrines suggest that the majority of wintering birds in Peru are males (n =150; 72%). We also report new records of Nearctic peregrine arrivals in Peru that represent advances of approximately 2–3 wk compared to the earliest previously published reports. The variability of peregrines' migratory movements may be related to the behavioral plasticity that facilitated their successful recovery following their catastrophic declines in much of North America. As peregrines remain vulnerable to human impacts including habitat and climate change, continuing to fill gaps in our knowledge of Nearctic peregrines' migratory connectivity will enable continuing conservation measures for these spectacular birds.

Causes of Raptor Admissions to Rehabilitation in Jordan

We report on the morbidity and fate of 138 raptors of 27 species admitted to the Royal Society of the Conservation of Nature rehabilitation center in Jordan during 2017–2018. Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) made up the greatest percentage admitted (28.3%), followed by the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus; 7.3%), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug; 7.3%), Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo; 7.3%), and nine species represented by a single individual each. Confiscation due to illegal possession or transport (n = 81) was the most common reason for raptor admittance, followed by trauma (n = 26) and infections/disease (n = 26). Other major reasons for admittance included malnutrition (n =12) and orphaning (n =12). Twenty-six birds (18.8%), mostly falcons, were still in the rehabilitation center at the time of publication, and 22 (16%) individuals died during treatment due to their injuries (n =14) or severe Newcastle infections (n =8). Seventy-seven individuals were released into nature reserves, accounting for 55.8% of the total rehabilitated birds, and 13 individuals (9.4%) were returned to their owners.