Illinois Peregrines

Most of Illinois’ Peregrines reside here year round. Winter territories might overlap or be near nesting areas. Once the breeding season begins, the adult Peregrines are once again seen together at the natal territory and are fully engaged in courtship activities.

During courtship, aerial behaviors include hunting as a pair, food transfers, and flight displays. The pair will also tend to be more defensive of the area. Courtship also involves behaviors such as "bowing". Bowing generally consists of the male standing over the scrape and leaning forward, head down and tail held high while looking his mate straight in the eye and emitting an "ee-chupping" vocalization. The female will often repeat this gesture back.

Peregrines do not build nests out of twigs like many birds, but rather dig a shallow depression or cup in the existing substrate called a "scrape". This is done as part of courtship. The female will lay an egg every 24 to 48 hours until the clutch is complete. 3-5 eggs is typical. Incubation begins when the clutch is nearly complete and lasts on average 32 days. Both male and females will take turns incubating the eggs.