Phylogeny of Falconidae and phylogeography of Peregrine Falcons

Abstract

We first examine how falcons can be integrated into avian tree of life. Then we go one step further and investigate the position of Peregrine Falcons in a comprehensive phylogeny of the falcons (genus Falco ), which was reconstructed on the basis of DNA sequences. Whether the 19 subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon can be identified genetically is examined in the next step. Recently, the question of Peregrine Falcon’s genetics in Central Europe has become of wider interest. Which subspecies was present before the collapse of populations and which currently after various reintroduction projects? Evidence is provided, that Central Europe constitutes a (natural) hybrid zone between F. p. brookei from the Mediterranean and F. p. peregrinus of northern Europe.