Rocks Dropped by a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) for Eyrie Defense.

Earley, Nathan G.; Akoluk, Jason; Earley, Christopher G.

This article, published in the Journal of Raptor Research, discusses the rare occurrence of tool use by a Peregrine Falcon for nest defense. While tool use is uncommon in non-primate animals, and particularly rare in birds, certain groups of birds are known to use tools. In this case, the Peregrine Falcon dropped rocks as a tool to strike an intruder without making direct physical contact. This is the first documented account of a projectile being dropped by a raptor to make contact with an intruder.

ANIMAL behavior; BIRDS of prey; PEREGRINE falcon; BIRD watchers; COLONIAL birds; HAWKS; BIRD nests

Journal of Raptor Research, 2024, Vol 58, Issue 3, p1

0892-1016

Academic Journal

10.3356/jrr2385