Wildlife Fact:

A humpback whale can live for 45 to 50 years.

Peregrine Falcon Project

We work closely with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program to help monitor the peregrine falcon population in New Jersey.

Image of A female peregrine falcon. Photo courtesy of Kim Steininger.

Zoom+ A female peregrine falcon. Photo courtesy of Kim Steininger.

New Jersey is home to more than 40 breeding pairs of Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). We work closely with biologists with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program to help monitor the population. Each winter we conduct maintenance on nesting towers, to help reduce predation and use by other species. In spring and summer we monitor nest sites for activity, which include checking for onset of incubation, hatching and then return for banding of young.

Trail cams at select nests to monitor prey that is brought into them. These cameras can also aid in the identification of banded adults, along with traditional avian photography. Collecting re-sightings of auxiliary banded birds provides valuable information including age, site fidelity, and the turnover rate in the population. After we have successfully identified the breeding pair, we continually monitor each nest or eyrie until the young are old enough to band (approximately 3-4 weeks old).

In 2022, the peregrine falcon population remained unchanged with 43 total pairs occupying sites and 38 known to lay eggs. Successful pairs dropped slightly with 26 producing 61 young -- for a productivity rate of 1.61 (known) young per active nest and a success rate of 68%. The core of the population continues to nest on towers and buildings throughout the state.

Thanks to early reintroduction efforts, peregrine falcons are now a fairly common sight (if you know where to look - look up!). From the Palisades cliffs along the Hudson River and Liberty State Park to the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula, peregrines can be seen in these areas. In addition, many non-breeding falcons can be observed along the coast using tall structures to perch and preen.

During summer months you can find them in urban areas near nest sites at the Union County Courthouse (there is also a web cam here that broadcasts online) in Elizabeth, or at the old Atlantic Club in A.C. You might also be able to catch some interactions between fledglings and adults along the cliffs of the Palisades near Alpine. In fall head down to Cape May Point State Park to see them during migration at the Hawk Watch. Their migration peaks in early October. During winter months visit Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Brigantine and Holgate Units to see wintering birds.

Publications:

2022 NJ Peregrine Falcon Project Summary

2021 NJ Peregrine Falcon Project Summary

2020 NJ Peregrine Falcon Project Summary

2019 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 1.3MB
Summary of results from the 2019 peregrine falcon nesting season. The number of peregrine falcon chicks hatched in New Jersey rose slightly in 2019, with 28 pairs producing 78 chicks, as compared to 75 chicks hatched in 2018. The overall population was slightly lower with 38 known pairs, as compared to 40 in 2018.

2018 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 630.6KB
Detailed results from the 2018 nesting season for falcons in New Jersey. 40 known pairs were documented with 37 active (known to lay eggs). Twenty-eight pairs were successful in producing 75 young, for a productivity rate of 2.32 young per active nest and a success rate of 76% (Table 1). Accounting for known young lost around fledging, the productivity rate dropped to 2.05 young per active nest.

2017 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 297.9KB
New Jersey’s population has remained stable with 32 active nests (with 34 known pairs) as compared to last years’ results of 30 active nests (35 known pairs). Nest success was slightly better than last year, with 22 pairs producing 52 young as compared to 20 pairs producing 47 young. The productivity rate, which is a measure of the health of the population, was very close to what was observed in 2016 at 1.59 young/active nest.

2016 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 278.3KB
The population of peregrine falcons remains stable in New Jersey, with nests on bridges and towers that make up the core of the nesting population. A total of 30 active nests were monitored, and of those, 20 pairs produced 47 young.

2015 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 437.8KB
Summary of results from the 2015 nesting season. In general the peregrine falcon population remained relatively stable with 32 known pairs (28 active) occupying suitable nesting habitat across the state. There was good nesting success overall with 24 pairs successful in producing 63 young, for a productivity rate of 2.25 young per active nest and a success rate of 71%.

2014 Peregrine Falcon Report - 130.9KB
Report that summarizes work to monitor and manage the peregrine falcon population in New Jersey. This year the population increased slightly from 26 to 29 pairs; however nest success was only average. A total of 49 young were produced. 35 of those young were banded for future tracking.

2013 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 144.8KB
Summary of the 2013 nesting season in New Jersey where 26 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success was high this year with all but two pairs producing at least one young. A total of 57 young were produced.

2012 Peregrine Falcon Report - 133.2KB
Summary of the 2012 nesting season in New Jersey where 26 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success were average again this year. A total of 34 young fledged.

2011 Peregrine Falcon Report - 155.2KB
Summary of the 2011 nesting season in New Jersey where 24 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success were average again this year. A total of >38 young fledged this year. 11 young were transferred to West Virginia to help increase the nesting population in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

2010 Peregrine Falcon Report - 252.1KB
Summary of the 2010 nesting season in New Jersey where 25 pairs were monitored. Productivity and nesting success was average this year. A total of 42 young were produced.

2009 Peregrine Falcon Project Report - 112.4KB
Summary of the 2009 nesting season in New Jersey.

Learn More:

Contact Us:

Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist: Email

Find Related Info: Peregrine Falcon, Raptors