Peregrine falcons are highly prized birds of prey that have been used in falconry for centuries. They are admired for their speed, power and hunting ability. But how much are these amazing birds actually worth in monetary terms?
Peregrine Falcon Overview
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is renowned as the fastest animal on earth. These falcons have been clocked diving at speeds of over 200 mph when hunting prey. Peregrines use their incredible speed and sharp, powerful talons to catch other birds in mid-air. Their diet typically consists of smaller birds like pigeons, songbirds, shorebirds and ducks.
Peregrines are found on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in many habitats from tundra to deserts to urban cities. However, they always nest on tall cliffs or urban structures like tall buildings or bridges. This gives them a vantage point to spot and hunt prey.
Adult peregrines measure 15-20 inches in length with a wingspan around 3.5 feet. Their distinctive physical features include:
- Blue-gray back and barred white underparts
- Dark helmet-like cap and cheeks
- Yellow ringed eyes
- Black sideburns
- Long pointed wings
Female peregrines are up to one-third larger than males. Both sexes have similar markings though.
Peregrine Falcon Population Status
Peregrine falcons experienced significant population declines in North America and Europe during the mid-20th century. The widespread use of organochlorine pesticides like DDT during this period contaminated the falcons’ prey. This led to reproductive failure through eggshell thinning.
In the 1960s, there were estimated to be just 324 breeding pairs of peregrines left in the United States. Populations in Canada and Europe had similarly crashed. As a result, the peregrine falcon was classified as an endangered species.
After DDT was banned in the 1970s, intensive recovery efforts were undertaken to restore peregrine populations. These included a combination of:
- Releasing captive-bred birds
- Hacking young falcons from artificial nests
- Providing nest boxes on cliffs
- Protecting and monitoring nest sites
Thanks to these efforts, peregrine populations have rebounded significantly. There are now estimated to be around 3,500 breeding pairs in the U.S. and over 100,000 individuals worldwide. As a result, the peregrine falcon was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.
However, peregrines still face threats including:
- Habitat loss
- Disturbance of nest sites
- Declines in prey species
- Collision with human-made objects
Ongoing conservation actions are needed to protect peregrines and monitor their populations. But the recovery of the peregrine falcon is considered one of the great success stories of the environmental movement.
Uses of Peregrine Falcons
Throughout history, peregrine falcons have been highly valued by humans for the sport of falconry. Falconry utilizes trained birds of prey to hunt wild quarry. Peregrines are one of the most popular falconry birds due to their athleticism, hunting ability, and association with nobility.
Other specific uses of peregrine falcons include:
- Hunting: Peregrines can be used to harvest waterfowl and other game birds by falconers. Their speed and power enables them to take a wide variety of flying prey.
- Pest Control: Some airports, vineyards, and agricultural operations employ peregrines to control nuisance bird species. Their presence scares away flocks of birds that can pose hazards and cause crop damage.
- Education: Many raptor education programs feature peregrine falcons to teach people about biology, conservation, and falconry.
- Research: Scientists study peregrines to understand topics like aerodynamics, physiology, migration, ecology, and more.
- Companionship: Some people simply enjoy the beauty, companionship and bonding experience of keeping a peregrine falcon.
Peregrine Falcon Value for Falconry
Most of the monetary value of peregrine falcons comes from their use in the sport of falconry. Falconers must obtain permits and follow regulations to legally possess peregrines in countries like the United States, UK, and UAE.
For centuries, peregrines have been prized by royalty, nobility and other falconers for attributes including:
- Speed and athleticism in flight
- Ability to catch a wide variety of bird prey
- Ferocity as a hunter
- Ease of training compared to other falcon species
- Prestige associated with hunting with peregrines
There are several factors that determine how much a peregrine falcon will be worth to a falconer:
- Age & Experience: A mature peregrine trained for hunting commands a higher price than an untrained young bird.
- Health & Conditioning: A fit peregrine will be worth more than an unhealthy, overweight or injured bird.
- Lineage: Falconers may pay more for certain bloodlines thought to produce superior hunting birds.
- Rarity: Rare color phases like white or peach peregrines can attract higher prices from collectors.
- Transferability: A peregrine’s value increases if it comes with full transfer documents enabling legal possession.
For a trained, adult peregrine suitable for hunting game, prices typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 USD or more. Less experienced juveniles usually sell for $2,500 to $5,000. Rare color variants can fetch prices from $15,000 up to $100,000 or more.
The highest price on record for a peregrine falcon was $73,250 USD paid in 2001 for a rare juvenile white female peregrine bred in captivity. Most peregrines sell for far less than this though.
Peregrine Falcon Prices at Auction
Many peregrine falcons change hands each year through bird auctions oriented towards raptors and falconry. Some example sales prices at recent auctions include:
- $8,625 USD for a 2015 captive bred female peregrine, sold via online auction in 2020
- $7,250 USD for a 2013 captive bred female peregrine, sold via online auction in 2019
- $6,600 USD for a 2008 captive bred male peregrine, sold via online auction in 2019
- £5,000 GBP for a female peregrine, sold via live auction in the UK in 2021
These prices reflect what serious hobbyist or professional falconers are willing to pay for high quality, pedigreed peregrines suitable for use in the field.
Peregrine Falcon Value for Pest Control
Some entities like airports, vineyards, farms, and stadiums employ trained peregrine falcons to chase away nuisance birds that can create hazards or cause damage. A few peregrines on site helps deter problematic flocks of birds like pigeons, starlings, seagulls, and geese.
Companies that provide commercial falconry pest control services will typically charge clients $200 to $500 per day to station a few peregrine falcons at their property. This represents the market value of the pest deterrence services the peregrines provide.
While effective, falconry for bird abatement represents a niche application. And most pest control peregrines are ex-hunting birds retired from falconry. So the direct market for purchasing trained pest control peregrines is relatively small.
Peregrine Falcon Value for Conservation & Education
Captive bred peregrine falcons also have some monetary value to conservation programs, aviaries, zoos, and raptor education programs. These entities may be willing to pay $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a healthy peregrine suitable for breeding, display, or use in educational demonstrations and fly shows.
Raptor centers that care for injured birds of prey often accept private peregrine falcon donations. However, the monetary value to the center represents the potential educational use rather than the market value. Centers do not actually pay for donated raptors.
Factors That Reduce Peregrine Falcon Value
Several factors can greatly reduce or eliminate the monetary value of a peregrine falcon:
- Injuries: Birds with damaged wings or other disabling injuries have little hunting or breeding value.
- Illness: Sick birds require expensive veterinary care and may die prematurely.
- Imprinting: Falconry birds imprinted on humans make poor hunting candidates and breeders.
- Captive bred: Falconers generally prefer wild-caught passage peregrines over captive-bred birds.
- Common traits: Typical-looking peregrines are worth less than rare color variants.
- Restricted possession: Some captive peregrines cannot be legally transferred or traded.
Peregrines with any of these issues may be essentially worthless on the open market. Some might even cost money for a breeder or rehabilitator to take them off your hands.
Illegal Peregrine Falcon Trade
In countries like the United States, capturing wild peregrine falcons is strictly prohibited without special permits. There is also an international ban on trading wild-caught peregrines across borders.
However, there is evidence of illegal capturing of peregrine falcon eggs, chicks and adults from the wild for the black market trade in some countries. Falcon poaching hotspots include places like Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Smuggled wild peregrines can sell for inflated black market prices due to the high demand and prestige for wild-caught birds in regions like the Middle East. Prices for illegal peregrines may range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the buyer.
Supporting the black market peregrine trade encourages the destruction of active nest sites and removal of birds from wild populations. It also violates both national laws and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Peregrine Falcon Ownership Considerations
Due to their demanding care requirements, high potential lifespan (15+ years), and protected legal status, prospective owners should carefully consider the realities of owning a peregrine falcon. Key considerations include:
- Permits: Possessing a peregrine requires special permits, inspections and facilities under federal law.
- Expertise: Experience with falconry or raptors is needed to properly handle, train and care for peregrines.
- Costs: Food, housing, veterinary bills and equipment costs can total $5,000+ annually.
- Time: Daily attention and exercise are required to keep a peregrine fit and engaged.
- Risks: Peregrines can be dangerous and may attack or seriously injure handlers.
For these reasons, peregrine falcon ownership is not recommended without a strong knowledge of falconry and a commitment to providing for the bird’s specialized needs. For most, admiring peregrines in the wild is the safest and most ethical option.
Conclusion
While they have no standard “price tag”, peregrine falcons are among the most economically valuable birds of prey. Their monetary value is tied primarily to the sport of falconry, where high quality adult peregrines trained to hunt may be worth $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Rare color variants can attract even higher prices from collectors.
Peregrines also provide some value for applications like pest control, conservation, and education. However, the illegal trade of wild peregrines should never be supported due to conservation concerns.
Ultimately, assigning an exact dollar value to these amazing birds is difficult. Their worth stems not just from economics, but from the beauty, history and symbolism peregrine falcons represent in nature, sport, and culture.
