'Tundrus' Peregrine falcon - Gulf of Mexico (1 Viewer)

lostinjapan · Oct 20, 2013

We have had at least 2 if not more Peregrines visiting us irregularly 150 miles from the coast out here in the Gulf.

They appear to show characteristics of 'tundrius' race birds, at least what I assume is a 1st winter male does.

Also bonus points for identifying the prey item it is carrying!!

Cheers

Sean

Kratter · Oct 20, 2013

Not sure about the subspecies; North American Peregrines have been so moved around to breeding sites that i think the subspecies are not as clearly demarcated as in the past.

The prey looks like a Least Bittern

Andy

Tib78 · Oct 20, 2013

Not up to speed on subspecific ID of juv Peregrines from the New world. But I'd say the pale crown and largely white cheek would point towards a Northern bird and indeed to tundrius

Tiraya · Oct 20, 2013

I suppose that least bittern/heron sp. isn't tickable!

lostinjapan · Oct 21, 2013

Hi all

Thanks for the replies. Not sure the prey is tickable

. Certainly not by me, as I didn't take the first two photos. I only took the later ones.

I was actually thinking the prey item was a young Purple Gallinule, as the toes just seemed too long for any heron species, especially with the central toe so much longer than the outer two.

I know there is a zone of integradation between 'anatum' and 'tundrius', but if birds of mixed races have been used in the re-introduction schemes, then it is probably best left as indeterminate race.

Wish whatever it was carrying was flying around and on my list and not its dinner

.

Cheers

Sean

'Tundrus' Peregrine falcon - Gulf of Mexico (1 Viewer)

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