Both sexes may then engage in "ledge displays", centered on the area of their nest, or scrape. Individuals may also peep at each other, preen, nibble their mate's toes, or "bill" (gently grab the other bird's bill in their own). Eventually they sit at the nest ledge side by side. The development of a pair bond is first indicated by the male and female roosting near each other. Males display at nest ledges to attract females and advertise ownership to other falcons. Both males and females have a strong attachment to previous nesting sites, which may explain monogamy over multiple breeding seasons, rather than attachment between individuals. Peregrine falcons form monogamous pair bonds that often last throughout many breeding seasons. Young birds tend to be darker and browner, with streaked, rather than barred, underparts. They have white faces with a black stripe on each cheek and large, dark eyes. Peregrine falcons have slate and blue-gray wings, black bars on their backs and pale underbellies. They are typically 15-20% larger and 40-50% heavier than males. Like most birds of prey, female peregrine falcons are slightly larger than males. In North America they are roughly crow sized, ranging in length from between 36 and 49 cm in males and 45 to 58 cm in females. Like all falcons, peregrine falcons have long, tapered wings and a slim, short tail. They vary considerably in size and color. There are 19 regional variants (subspecies) of peregrine falcon worldwide. They have been observed breeding as high as 3600 meters elevation in the Rocky Mountains of North America. They have recently begun to colonize urban areas because tall buildings are suitable for nesting in this species, and because of the abundance of pigeons as prey items. They are most common in tundra and coastal areas and rare in sub-tropical and tropical habitats. Peregrine falcons prefer open habitats, such as grasslands, tundra, and meadows. They typically migrate along sea coasts, long lake shores, barrier islands, mountain ranges, or at sea. Northernmost populations breed in the tundra of Alaska and Canada, and migrate to central Argentina and Chile. Peregrine falcons migrate long distances between breeding and winter ranges. Most southern Palearctic and island populations of peregrine falcon are resident, and do not migrate. They are one of the most widespread terrestrial vertebrate species in the world. “It takes everyone, our team, collaborators, and supporters, to achieve the kind of success The Peregrine Fund is known for and I’m excited about our future together.Peregrine falcons are found worldwide, except for rainforests and cold, dry Arctic regions. Our founders, leaders, and team members have set a trajectory for The Peregrine Fund that we intend to not only maintain but also enhance in order to meet the many challenges we face in conservation,” says Parish. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve this great organization in a new capacity. I know that Chris will be a great leader to guide The Peregrine Fund into the future,” says Hall. “I’ve known Chris for a long time and I could not be more pleased with the way this process has unfolded. Dale Hall has served as the interim President and CEO while the board conducted the search to fill the position. Rick Watson, who worked for the organization for more than 30 years and retired from the leadership role in July of this year. The organization has a staff of over 100 conservation experts worldwide, conducting 25 projects on six continents, and annually raises over $6 million in support of raptor conservation and research. That success encouraged the organization to expand its focus, and apply its experience and understanding to raptor conservation efforts on behalf of more than 100 species in 65 countries worldwide. The Peregrine Fund was founded in 1970 to restore the Peregrine Falcon, which was removed from the U.S. We are honored and thrilled that Chris accepted this position and are excited to work with him to position the organization for another 50 years of conservation success.” “His passion for raptor conservation and The Peregrine Fund is unequaled. “Chris has served as a leader within the organization for many years and he embodies all of the qualities that make The Peregrine Fund one of the leading wildlife conservation organizations worldwide,” said Carter Montgomery, Chairman of The Peregrine Fund Board of Directors. Additionally, Chris worked with partner organizations to form the North American Non-lead Partnership, which now includes more than 40 partners across the United States. Parish began his career with The Peregrine Fund in November 2000 and has led The Peregrine Fund’s California Condor recovery program in northern Arizona and southern Utah.
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