Restoration of the tree-nesting Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) population in the Volga-Ural Region

Abstract

We have applied the method of a forming tree-nesting behavior pattern in the chicks of the cliff-nesting Peregrine Falcon. In June 2016 and 2017, in the Southern Ural Mountains and Bugulma-Belebey Upland, we discovered four nests of Peregrine Falcons, which were threatened by destruction due to various anthropogenic and biological factors. For preventing the death of the broods, the chicks were transferred from the occupied nesting niches in the rock cliffs to nesting platforms. On nesting platforms they spent from 3 to 12 days where they were fed by adults regularly. All four broods (9 young) flew out successfully and demonstrated typical behavior for the Peregrines of their age. Adults fed fledglings and taught them to hunt.