Do Peregrine falcons mate for life?
Peregrine falcons are monogamous (they mate for life) and breed in the same territory or area for their entire lives. There are exceptions, such as when one mate dies or is out-competed and replaced by a stronger individual. Sexual maturity occurs during the second year of life and after approximately one month of courtship, then 3 or 4 eggs are laid in the spring. Incubation takes approximately 33 days and although both parents share incubating duties, the female performs the greater share. Two or three chicks usually hatch and fledge in approximately 42 days. After fledging, young peregrine falcons are still dependent on their parents for food until they learn to hunt, which takes about a month and a half.
