The reintroduction of the Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus anatum, into southern Canada

Abstract

The recovery of anatum Peregrine Falcon populations in southern Canada has depended upon the release of captive raised young. Between 1976 and 1987, 563 young falcons were released at 24 areas in southern Canada (an average of 5.04 young per area per year; range 1 to 16). At a minimum, 35 (6.2%) peregrines returned at least one year after their release. Paired falcons were encountered significantly further from their release site than single falcons. Females returned further from their release sites than males but the difference was insignificant. Peregrines most often returned to the same kind of site (urban or rural) from which they were released. One half of the returning birds were first observed as single birds, at one year of age, and did not return. In 1988 there were 12 territorial pairs south of the boreal forest which produced 11 young. Recommendations to improve future release efforts are made.