Minnesota Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife

Traditionally, Peregrine Falcons nest on ledges of high cliffs in remote areas. In cities, however, they use recesses along ledges or in window boxes.

In the 1960s, scientists discovered that the pesticide DDT was interfering in the egg shell formation of many meat and fish eating birds.

Healthy birds were laying eggs with such thin eggshells that they were crushed by the weight of the incubating adult.

By 1965, no Peregrine falcons were fledged in the Central or Eastern United States.

By 1968, the Peregrine Falcon population was completely eradicated east of the Mississippi River.

In 1972, use of DDT was severely restricted in the United States and worldwide.

In 1979, the Eastern Peregrine Recovery Plan was developed to restore a Peregrine population to the eastern United States.