Peregrine Falcons in New York: A Conservation Triumph

New York State now hosts over 260 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons—a stunning recovery from near-extinction in the early 1970s.

The Crash

DDT pesticide accumulation thinned eggshells, causing reproductive collapse. By 1970, the species was extirpated east of the Mississippi.

The Comeback

• 1972: U.S. bans DDT.
• 1970s–80s: Captive breeding and "hacking" (releasing juveniles on urban cliffs/bridges) begin.
• 1983: First successful nesting in NYC in decades (Throgs Neck Bridge).
• 1999: Removed from federal Endangered Species List.
• Present: 260+ pairs statewide, nesting on every major NYC bridge, skyscrapers, and natural cliffs.

Why Cities?

Urban canyons mimic natural cliff habitat. Abundant pigeons and starlings provide year-round prey. Reduced great horned owl predation (owls avoid dense urban cores) boosts fledging success.

Monitoring

The NYSDEC bands chicks annually, tracks dispersal, and collaborates with building managers to protect nest sites. Live cams (e.g., 55 Water St., Albany) engage the public.

The peregrine's recovery stands as a model of science-driven conservation, policy action, and urban wildlife coexistence.