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Peregrine Falcon, “James,” Shatters Record for Lifetime Reproductive Success
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CCB FalconCam capture of James (February 2009) |
Twenty-day old chick from James River Bridge nest |
Like many bird species, peregrine falcons have high mortality in the first year, followed by lower mortality in subsequent years. Median life expectancy of birds that reach their second year of life, is still only between 4 and 5 years. Only 3% are expected to live beyond 10 years. The grand old male peregrine falcon, nicknamed “James” by the public, is still breeding on the James River Bridge at the ripe old age of 19 years old. He is now approaching a longevity record for peregrine falcons in the wild, believed to be 19 years, 3 months.
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One of many broods produced by peregrines, James and Virginia |
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James feeding brood of four in nest box on James River Bridge. |
James was hatched in 1990 on the Leg-Mason building (Baltimore, MD). He was first observed on the James River Bridge in 1992 and first bred there in 1993. In his tenure on the bridge, he has produced a record 48 chicks to banding age. Previous lifetime reproductive success across North America for both males and females range between 22 and 25 chicks. Interestingly, James’ long time mate nicknamed “Virginia” was hatched by the same parents on the Leg-Mason building in 1989. Though they were full siblings, they successfully bred at the site from 1994 through 2006. Virginia disappeared in 2006 and was replaced by an unbanded female, dubbed "Elizabeth" the following year. The story of James continues: on March 9 James and Elizabeth laid their first egg for 2009.
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Virginia, long time mate of James, on the James River Bridge |
Follow James and his mate at their nest through the breeding season:
Learn more about peregrine falcons in Virginia:
Read more about Virginia peregrine falcon population:
Watts, B. D., Mojica, E.K. and Padgett, S. M. 2008. Virginia Peregrine Falcon monitoring and management program: Year 2008 report. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-08-002. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 19 pp.
Click to open pdf report
Watts, B. D. and Padgett, S. M. 2007. Virginia Peregrine Falcon monitoring and management program: Year 2007 report. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-07-09. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 19 pp.
Click to open pdf report
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