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97-659: The team began in 1997 as the New York CityHawks . Their name was a reference to the peregrine falcon , several of which make their nests on ledges high up on New York 's skyscrapers. Despite the failure of the New York Knights in 1988 , the AFL decided once again to make an effort to establish a team in the nation's largest media market, and granted a franchise to the New York CityHawks prior to

194-549: A National Geographic TV program, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph). As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic , with females being considerably larger than males. The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics . It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions , very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests ;

291-407: A five-year sharing agreement with Ralph Wilson to lease Wilson's NFL Buffalo Bills to Rogers for an annual regular season game in exchange for cash, marking the return of American football to Canada, after a fashion. Among the notable Phantoms players were Offensive Specialist Damian Harrell , fullback / linebacker Jermaine Younger, as well as defensive back/wide receiver Ty Law (unrelated to

388-401: A scrape , normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT . Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild. The peregrine falcon is

485-549: A breeding territory, a pair may have several nesting ledges; the number used by a pair can vary from one or two up to seven in a 16-year period. The peregrine falcon nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges. The female chooses a nest site, where she scrapes a shallow hollow in the loose soil, sand, gravel, or dead vegetation in which to lay eggs. No nest materials are added. Cliff nests are generally located under an overhang, on ledges with vegetation. South-facing sites are favoured. In some regions, as in parts of Australia and on

582-417: A falcon's nostrils are theorized to guide the powerful airflow away from the nostrils, enabling the bird to breathe more easily while diving by reducing the change in air pressure. To protect their eyes, the falcons use their nictitating membranes (third eyelids) to spread tears and clear debris from their eyes while maintaining vision. The distinctive malar stripe or 'moustache', a dark area of feathers below

679-412: A few Arctic ground squirrels ( Urocitellus parryii ). Other small mammals including shrews , mice , rats , voles , and squirrels are more seldom taken. Peregrines occasionally take rabbits , mainly young individuals and juvenile hares . Additionally, remains of red fox kits and adult female American marten were found among prey remains. Insects and reptiles such as small snakes make up

776-404: A high perch or from the air. Large congregations of migrants, especially species that gather in the open like shorebirds, can be quite attractive to a hunting peregrine. Once prey is spotted, it begins its stoop, folding back the tail and wings, with feet tucked. Prey is typically struck and captured in mid-air; the peregrine falcon strikes its prey with a clenched foot, stunning or killing it with

873-421: A major prey species for Eurasian Peregrine populations. Due to their prevalence over most other bird species in cities, feral pigeons support many peregrine populations as a staple food source, especially in urban settings . The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. Both

970-591: A peregrine falcon. The peregrine falcon has been designated the official city bird of Chicago . The Peregrine , by J. A. Baker , is widely regarded as one of the best nature books in English written in the twentieth century. Admirers of the book include Robert Macfarlane , Mark Cocker , who regards the book as "one of the most outstanding books on nature in the twentieth century" and Werner Herzog , who called it "the one book I would ask you to read if you want to make films", and said elsewhere "it has prose of

1067-588: A quarterback by trade, but played wide receiver / linebacker for the CityHawks. One week in 1997, he won the award for the league's top "ironman" (player who plays both on offense and defense , as six of eight players had to do at that time in Arena Football). As a quarterback, Maynor would later lead the Orlando Predators to a league championship by winning ArenaBowl XIV . In addition,

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1164-607: A small proportion of the diet, and salmonid fish have been taken by peregrines. The peregrine falcon hunts most often at dawn and dusk, when prey are most active, but also nocturnally in cities, particularly during migration periods when hunting at night may become prevalent. Nocturnal migrants taken by peregrines include species as diverse as yellow-billed cuckoo , black-necked grebe , virginia rail , and common quail . The peregrine requires open space in order to hunt, and therefore often hunts over open water, marshes , valleys , fields, and tundra , searching for prey either from

1261-541: A technique called hacking . Finally, after years of close work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a limited take of wild peregrines was allowed in 2004, the first wild peregrines taken specifically for falconry in over 30 years. The development of captive breeding methods has led to peregrines being commercially available for falconry use, thus mostly eliminating the need to capture wild birds for support of falconry. The main reason for taking wild peregrines at this point

1358-466: A variety of pigeons. Among pigeons, the rock dove or feral pigeon comprises 80% or more of the dietary intake of peregrines. Other common city birds are also taken regularly, including mourning doves , common wood pigeons , common swifts , northern flickers , eurasian collared doves , common starlings , American robins , common blackbirds , and corvids such as magpies , jays or carrion , house , and American crows . Coastal populations of

1455-410: A well-respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and availability via captive breeding . It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large. It has also been used as a religious, royal, or national symbol across multiple eras and areas of human civilization. The peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and

1552-676: A wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in). The male and female have similar markings and plumage but, as with many birds of prey , the peregrine falcon displays marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male. Males weigh 330 to 1,000 g (12–35 oz) and the noticeably larger females weigh 700 to 1,500 g (25–53 oz). In most subspecies, males weigh less than 700 g (25 oz) and females weigh more than 800 g (28 oz), and cases of females weighing about 50% more than their male breeding mates are not uncommon. The standard linear measurements of peregrines are:

1649-506: Is a 0.6–0.7% genetic distance in the peregrine falcon-Barbary falcon ("peregrinoid") complex. The peregrine falcon lives mostly along mountain ranges , river valleys , coastlines , and increasingly in cities . In mild-winter regions, it is usually a permanent resident, and some individuals, especially adult males, will remain on the breeding territory. Only populations that breed in Arctic climates typically migrate great distances during

1746-701: Is adapted to available prey in different regions. However, it typically feeds on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves , waterfowl , gamebirds , songbirds , parrots , seabirds , and waders . Worldwide, it is estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 bird species, or roughly a fifth of the world's bird species, are predated somewhere by these falcons. The peregrine falcon preys on the most diverse range of bird species of any raptor in North America, with over 300 species and including nearly 100 shorebirds . Its prey can range from 3 g (0.11 oz) hummingbirds ( Selasphorus and Archilochus ssp.) to

1843-456: Is from the larger females of the largest subspecies to the smaller males of the smallest subspecies, approximately five to one (approximately 1500 g to 300 g). The males of smaller and medium-sized subspecies, and the females of the smaller subspecies, excel in the taking of swift and agile small game birds such as dove, quail, and smaller ducks. The females of the larger subspecies are capable of taking large and powerful game birds such as

1940-421: Is not clear, as the issue is complicated by widespread hybridization confounding mtDNA sequence analyses. One genetic lineage of the saker falcon ( F. cherrug ) is known to have originated from a male saker ancestor producing fertile young with a female peregrine ancestor, and the descendants further breeding with sakers. Today, peregrines are regularly paired in captivity with other species such as

2037-519: Is plucked before consumption. A 2016 study showed that the presence of peregrines benefits non-preferred species while at the same time causing a decline in its preferred prey. As of 2018, the fastest recorded falcon was at 242 mph (nearly 390 km/h). Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and at Oxford University used 3D computer simulations in 2018 to show that

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2134-516: Is relatively recent, during the time of the Last Ice Age , therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated. Although its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will sometimes hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in

2231-454: Is to maintain healthy genetic diversity in the breeding lines. Hybrids of peregrines and gyrfalcons are also available that can combine the best features of both species to create what many consider to be the ultimate falconry bird for the taking of larger game such as the sage-grouse . These hybrids combine the greater size, strength, and horizontal speed of the gyrfalcon with the natural propensity to stoop and greater warm weather tolerance of

2328-719: The 1997 season . The major circumstance that differentiated this situation from that of the Knights was that the CityHawks were owned by Madison Square Garden , while the Knights had been tenants at the Garden. The Arena Football League had intended to re-enter the New York market in 1997 by putting an expansion team in the New Jersey Meadowlands , located just across the Hudson River from New York City. Among

2425-1033: The Air Canada Centre , also the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League , the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association , and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League . The team's primary rival was the Buffalo Destroyers , located 80 miles south in Buffalo. The Phantoms' logo included a Grim Reaper character whose scythe carried the word "Toronto" with

2522-584: The Barbary falcon of the Canary Islands and coastal North Africa to be two subspecies ( pelegrinoides and babylonicus ) of Falco peregrinus , rather than a distinct species, F. pelegrinoides . The following map shows the general ranges of these 19 subspecies. The Barbary falcon is a subspecies of the peregrine falcon that inhabits parts of North Africa; namely, from the Canary Islands to

2619-701: The Chicago Rush in 2006. In college, Hohensee played for the University of Minnesota . After coming out of junior college at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California , Hohensee quarterbacked the Gophers for two seasons in 1981 and 1982, setting numerous school passing records. Mike is also in the University of Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. He played for the Washington Federals of

2716-535: The NFL player of the same name ). During their time in Toronto, these players were not widely recognized in an already congested sports market. The following Phantoms players were named to All-Arena Teams: The following Phantoms players were named to All-Rookie Teams: Peregrine falcon 17–19, see text The peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), also known simply as the peregrine , and historically as

2813-557: The New England Sea Wolves , and would play at the Hartford Civic Center , an arena also managed (although not owned) by Garden management. The CityHawks had several individual players of outstanding quality, most notably quarterback Mike Perez , kicker Mike Black , defensive specialist/kick returner Ron Carpenter, and all-around threat Connell Maynor. Maynor, a very interesting case, was primarily

2910-826: The Oakland Invaders . Before beginning his career as an Arena Football League coach, Hohensee was a quarterback for the AFL's Pittsburgh Gladiators during the league's first two seasons in 1987 and 1988 . He threw the first touchdown pass in AFL history. Hohensee was named the first coach in Chicago Rush history, with the team beginning play in 2001. With Hohensee, the Rush made the playoffs in every season, winning ArenaBowl XX . The Rush played in four consecutive AFL Conference Championship games from 2004 to 2008, and won its division in 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2008. "Coach Ho" recorded his 100th career victory in 2006 when

3007-931: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds . The RSPB estimated that there were 1,402 breeding pairs in the UK in 2011. In Canada, where peregrines were identified as endangered in 1978 (in the Yukon territory of northern Canada that year, only a single breeding pair was identified ), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada declared the species no longer at risk in December 2017. Peregrines now breed in many mountainous and coastal areas, especially in

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3104-670: The United States Football League (USFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), National Football League (NFL) and Arena Football League (AFL). He most recently the head coach of the AFL's Portland Thunder . He played college football at the University of Minnesota , and was in the AFL for two seasons, from 1987 to 1988. Hohensee has been a head coach since 1990, beginning at the Washington Commandos . He has served as head coach of eight different arena football franchises, winning ArenaBowl XX with

3201-757: The United States Football League from 1983 to 1984, the Ottawa Rough Riders and Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1985, and was a replacement player on the Chicago Bears of the National Football League during the 1987 NFL strike . As the Washington Federals' quarterback in 1983, Hohensee is best remembered for coming up one foot short of the goal line in a loss to

3298-482: The duck hawk in North America , is a cosmopolitan bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae . A large, crow -sized falcon , it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head. The peregrine is renowned for its speed. It can reach over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it the fastest animal on the planet. According to

3395-486: The great horned owl and the Eurasian eagle-owl . When reintroductions have been attempted for peregrines, the most serious impediments were these two species of owls routinely picking off nestlings, fledglings and adults by night. Peregrines defending their nests have managed to kill raptors as large as golden eagles and bald eagles (both of which they normally avoid as potential predators) that have come too close to

3492-523: The lanner falcon ( F. biarmicus ) to produce the " perilanner ", a bird popular in falconry as it combines the peregrine's hunting skill with the lanner's hardiness, or the gyrfalcon to produce large, strikingly coloured birds for the use of falconers. Numerous subspecies of Falco peregrinus have been described, with 19 accepted by the 1994 Handbook of the Birds of the World , which considers

3589-525: The prairie falcon ( F. mexicanus ). This lineage probably diverged from other falcons towards the end of the Late Miocene or in the Late Pliocene , about 3–8  million years ago (mya). As the peregrine-hierofalcon group includes both Old World and North American species, it is likely that the lineage originated in western Eurasia or Africa. Its relationship to other falcons

3686-433: The spinal column at the neck. An immature bird is much browner, with streaked, rather than barred, underparts, and has a pale bluish cere and orbital ring. A study shows that their black malar stripe exists to reduce glare from solar radiation , allowing them to see better. Photos from The Macaulay Library and iNaturalist showed that the malar stripe is thicker where there is more solar radiation. That supports

3783-638: The " tiercel ") and the female (simply called the "falcon") both leave the nest to gather prey to feed the young. The hunting territory of the parents can extend a radius of 19 to 24 km (12 to 15 mi) from the nest site. Chicks fledge 42 to 46 days after hatching, and remain dependent on their parents for up to two months. The peregrine falcon is a highly admired falconry bird, and has been used in falconry for more than 3,000 years, beginning with nomads in central Asia . Its advantages in falconry include not only its athleticism and eagerness to hunt, but an equable disposition that leads to it being one of

3880-602: The 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) sandhill crane , although most prey taken by peregrines weigh between 20 g (0.71 oz) (small passerines ) and 1,100 g (2.4 lb) ( ducks , geese , loons , gulls , capercaillies , ptarmigans and other grouse ). Smaller hawks (such as sharp-shinned hawks ) and owls are regularly predated, as well as smaller falcons such as the American kestrel , merlin and, rarely, other peregrines. In urban areas, where it tends to nest on tall buildings or bridges, it subsists mostly on

3977-478: The Arabian Peninsula. There is discussion concerning the taxonomic status of the bird, with some considering it a subspecies of the peregrine falcon and others considering it a full species with two subspecies (White et al. 2013). Compared to the other peregrine falcon subspecies, Barbary falcons sport a slimmer body and a distinct plumage color pattern. Despite numbers and range of these birds throughout

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4074-485: The Canary Islands generally increasing, they are considered endangered, with human interference through falconry and shooting threatening their well-being. Falconry can further complicate the speciation and genetics of these Canary Islands falcons, as the practice promotes genetic mixing between individuals from outside the islands with those originating from the islands. Population density of the Barbary falcons on Tenerife,

4171-419: The CityHawks scored only nine points in a loss to Tampa Bay. In 1998, the CityHawks replaced Kuharich with veteran NCAA coach Chuck Shelton , who was taking his first Arena Football job. However, the team fared almost as poorly as they had done the first season, winning only 3 of 14 games. The Garden announced that the club would be transferred to Hartford, Connecticut for the 1999 season, would be renamed

4268-506: The CityHawks were the first AFL team to have different helmets for home and road games. In 1997, they wore their gold helmets at home, with black jerseys and gold pants; and wore the reverse on the road: black helmets, gold jerseys, black pants. In 1998, they adopted a one-color scheme, dressing in all black at home, and in all gold on the road. The New England Sea Wolves were in Hartford for two seasons, and were coached by Mike Hohensee ,

4365-415: The English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon", referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies , which vary in appearance and range; disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus or is a separate species, F. pelegrinoides . The two species' divergence

4462-690: The Football Advisor to the University President and the football program at Judson University , a liberal arts college that is a member of the NAIA and the Mid-States Football Association conference. Hohensee consults with the coaching staff and advises the university leadership on aspects of leading and managing a football program. On Saturday April 28, 2007 Hohensee was hit by a car while walking in

4559-519: The PCB concentrations found in these falcons is dependent upon the age of the falcon. While high levels are still found in young birds (only a few months old) and even higher concentrations are found in more mature falcons, further increasing in adult peregrine falcons. These pesticides caused falcon prey to also have thinner eggshells (one example of prey being the Black Petrels). In several parts of

4656-648: The US were captive-bred from the progeny of falcons taken before the US Endangered Species Act was enacted and from those few infusions of wild genes available from Canada and special circumstances. Peregrine falcons were removed from the United States' endangered species list in 1999. The successful recovery program was aided by the effort and knowledge of falconers – in collaboration with The Peregrine Fund and state and federal agencies – through

4753-443: The back but with thin clean bars, is long, narrow, and rounded at the end with a black tip and a white band at the very end. The top of the head and a "moustache" along the cheeks are black, contrasting sharply with the pale sides of the neck and white throat. The cere is yellow, as are the feet, and the beak and claws are black. The upper beak is notched near the tip, an adaptation which enables falcons to kill prey by severing

4850-415: The biggest of the seven major Canary Islands, was found to be 1.27 pairs/100 km , with the mean distance between pairs being 5869 ± 3338 m. The falcons were only observed near large and natural cliffs with a mean altitude of 697.6 m. Falcons show an affinity for tall cliffs away from human-mediated establishments and presence. Barbary falcons have a red neck patch, but otherwise differ in appearance from

4947-647: The bird associated with princes in formal hierarchies of birds of prey, just below the gyrfalcon associated with kings . It was considered "a royal bird, more armed by its courage than its claws". Terminology used by peregrine breeders also used the Old French term gentil , "of noble birth; aristocratic", particularly with the peregrine. Since 1927, the peregrine falcon has been the official mascot of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio . The 2007 U.S. Idaho state quarter features

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5044-463: The calibre that we have not seen since Joseph Conrad ". In the book, Baker recounts, in diary form, his detailed observations of peregrines (and their interaction with other birds) near his home in Chelmsford , Essex, over a single winter from October to April. Mike Hohensee Michael Louis Hohensee (born February 22, 1961) is a former professional football quarterback who played in

5141-401: The chicks fledged. In Oregon , Portland houses ten percent of the state's peregrine nests, despite only covering around 0.1 percent of the state's land area. Due to its striking hunting technique, the peregrine has often been associated with aggression and martial prowess. The Ancient Egyptian solar deity Ra was often represented as a man with the head of a peregrine falcon adorned with

5238-444: The easier falcons to train. The peregrine falcon has the additional advantage of a natural flight style of circling above the falconer ("waiting on") for game to be flushed, and then performing an effective and exciting high-speed diving stoop to take the quarry . The speed of the stoop not only allows the falcon to catch fast flying birds, it also enhances the falcon's ability to execute maneuvers to catch highly agile prey, and allows

5335-416: The eggs are lost early in the nesting season, the female usually lays another clutch, although this is extremely rare in the Arctic due to the short summer season. Generally three to four eggs, but sometimes as few as one or as many as five, are laid in the scrape. The eggs are white to buff with red or brown markings. They are incubated for 29 to 33 days, mainly by the female, with the male also helping with

5432-461: The eyes, is thought to reduce solar glare and improve contrast sensitivity when targeting fast moving prey in bright light condition; the malar stripe has been found to be wider and more pronounced in regions of the world with greater solar radiation supporting this solar glare hypothesis. Peregrine falcons have a flicker fusion frequency of 129 Hz (cycles per second), very fast for a bird of its size, and much faster than mammals. A study testing

5529-521: The falcon to deliver a knockout blow with a fist-like clenched talon against game that may be much larger than itself. Additionally the versatility of the species, with agility allowing capture of smaller birds and a strength and attacking style allowing capture of game much larger than themselves, combined with the wide size range of the many peregrine subspecies, means there is a subspecies suitable to almost any size and type of game bird. This size range, evolved to fit various environments and prey species,

5626-423: The female in mid-air. To make this possible, the female actually flies upside-down to receive the food from the male's talons. During the breeding season, the peregrine falcon is territorial; nesting pairs are usually more than 1 km (0.62 mi) apart, and often much farther, even in areas with large numbers of pairs. The distance between nests ensures sufficient food supply for pairs and their chicks. Within

5723-523: The flight physics of an "ideal falcon" found a theoretical speed limit at 400 km/h (250 mph) for low-altitude flight and 625 km/h (388 mph) for high-altitude flight. In 2005, Ken Franklin recorded a falcon stooping at a top speed of 389 km/h (242 mph). The life span of peregrine falcons in the wild is up to 19 years 9 months. Mortality in the first year is 59–70%, declining to 25–32% annually in adults. Apart from such anthropogenic threats as collision with human-made objects,

5820-473: The former Albany Firebirds coach who has been the head coach of the Chicago Rush since that team's inception in 2001 until its fold in 2009 following the folding of the original version and subsequent revival of the league. In 2000, the Sea Wolves posted the first winning record in franchise history (8–6). That season also saw the debut of offensive specialist Damian Harrell , who went on to blossom after

5917-650: The gate, winning 8 of their first 9 games, and setting a (then) league record by scoring 91 points in one game against the Texas Terror (a record which was surpassed in 2001 when the New York Dragons scored 99 against the Carolina Cobras ). To illustrate the contrasting fortunes of the two teams: during the weekend of games that included June 20–21, the Red Dogs scored 91 points against Texas;

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6014-511: The genetic diversity of this species. Since peregrine falcon eggs and chicks are still often targeted by illegal poachers, it is common practice not to publicize unprotected nest locations. Populations of the peregrine falcon have bounced back in most parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, there has been a recovery of populations since the crash of the 1960s. This has been greatly assisted by conservation and protection work led by

6111-434: The high speed allows peregrines to gain better maneuverability and precision in strikes. The peregrine falcon is sexually mature at one to three years of age, but in larger populations they breed after two to three years of age. A pair mates for life and returns to the same nesting spot annually. The courtship flight includes a mix of aerial acrobatics, precise spirals, and steep dives. The male passes prey it has caught to

6208-561: The impact, then turns to catch it in mid-air. If its prey is too heavy to carry, a peregrine will drop it to the ground and eat it there. If they miss the initial strike, peregrines will chase their prey in a twisting flight. Although previously thought rare, several cases of peregrines contour-hunting, i.e., using natural contours to surprise and ambush prey on the ground, have been reported and even rare cases of prey being pursued on foot. In addition, peregrines have been documented preying on chicks in nests, from birds such as kittiwakes. Prey

6305-509: The inclusion of non-native subspecies was justified to optimize the genetic diversity found within the species as a whole. During the 1970s, peregrine falcons in Finland experienced a population bottleneck as a result of large declines associated with bio-accumulation of organochloride pesticides. However, the genetic diversity of peregrines in Finland is similar to other populations, indicating that high dispersal rates have maintained

6402-426: The incubation of the eggs during the day, but only the female incubating them at night. The average number of young found in nests is 2.5, and the average number that fledge is about 1.5, due to the occasional production of infertile eggs and various natural losses of nestlings. After hatching, the chicks (called " eyases " ) are covered with creamy-white down and have disproportionately large feet. The male (called

6499-683: The large subspecies pealei feed almost exclusively on seabirds . In the Brazilian mangrove swamp of Cubatão , a wintering falcon of the subspecies tundrius was observed successfully hunting a juvenile scarlet ibis . Among mammalian prey species, bats in the genera Eptesicus , Myotis , Pipistrellus and Tadarida are the most common prey taken at night. Though peregrines generally do not prefer terrestrial mammalian prey, in Rankin Inlet , peregrines largely take northern collared lemmings ( Dicrostonyx groenlandicus ) along with

6596-461: The largest of duck species, pheasant, and grouse. Peregrine falcons handled by falconers are also occasionally used to scare away birds at airports to reduce the risk of bird-plane strikes , improving air-traffic safety. They were also used to intercept homing pigeons during World War II. Peregrine falcons have been successfully bred in captivity, both for falconry and for release into the wild. Until 2004 nearly all peregrines used for falconry in

6693-422: The name was used as juvenile birds were taken while journeying to their breeding location (rather than from the nest), as falcon nests are often difficult to get at. The Latin term for falcon, falco , is related to falx , meaning " sickle ", in reference to the silhouette of the falcon's long, pointed wings in flight. The peregrine falcon belongs to a genus whose lineage includes the hierofalcons and

6790-526: The natural cliff ledges that the peregrine prefers for its nesting locations. The pair defends the chosen nest site against other peregrines, and often against ravens , herons , and gulls , and if ground-nesting, also such mammals as foxes , wolverines , felids , bears , wolves , and mountain lions . Both nests and (less frequently) adults are predated by larger-bodied raptorial birds like eagles , large owls , or gyrfalcons . The most serious predators of peregrine nests in North America and Europe are

6887-712: The nest by ambushing them in a full stoop. In one instance, when a snowy owl killed a newly fledged peregrine, the larger owl was in turn killed by a stooping peregrine parent. The date of egg-laying varies according to locality, but is generally from February to March in the Northern Hemisphere , and from July to August in the Southern Hemisphere , although the Australian subspecies macropus may breed as late as November, and equatorial populations may nest anytime between June and December. If

6984-411: The northern winter. The peregrine falcon reaches faster speeds than any other animal on the planet when performing the stoop, which involves soaring to a great height and then diving steeply at speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph), hitting one wing of its prey so as not to harm itself on impact. The air pressure from such a dive could possibly damage a bird's lungs , but small bony tubercles on

7081-405: The only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand . This makes it the world's most widespread raptor and one of the most widely found wild bird species . In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area owes its success to human-led introduction ; the domestic and feral pigeons are both domesticate forms of the rock dove , which are

7178-622: The origins of captive breeding stock used by the Peregrine Fund in the recovery of peregrine falcons throughout the contiguous United States. Several peregrine subspecies were included in the breeding stock, including birds of Eurasian origin. Due to the extirpation of the eastern population of Falco peregrinus anatum , the near-extirpation of anatum in the Midwest and the limited gene pool within North American breeding stock,

7275-585: The ownership of the new New Jersey Red Dogs were several ex- NFL players, most notably former New York Giant Joe Morris . In response to the AFL's placing a team in New Jersey, the Madison Square Garden ownership requested a team of its own. This request was granted by the league with only months to go before the beginning of the 1997 season, while the New Jersey team had been founded several months earlier. The CityHawks thus had only half

7372-594: The peregrine falcon proper merely according to Gloger's rule , relating pigmentation to environmental humidity . The Barbary falcon has a peculiar way of flying, beating only the outer part of its wings as fulmars sometimes do; this also occurs in the peregrine falcon, but less often and far less pronounced. The Barbary falcon's shoulder and pelvis bones are stout by comparison with the peregrine falcon and its feet are smaller. Barbary falcons breed at different times of year than neighboring peregrine falcon subspecies, but they are capable of interbreeding. There

7469-728: The peregrine may be killed by larger hawks and owls . The peregrine falcon is host to a range of parasites and pathogens . It is a vector for Avipoxvirus , Newcastle disease virus , Falconid herpesvirus 1 (and possibly other Herpesviridae ), and some mycoses and bacterial infections . Endoparasites include Plasmodium relictum (usually not causing malaria in the peregrine falcon), Strigeidae trematodes , Serratospiculum amaculata ( nematode ), and tapeworms . Known peregrine falcon ectoparasites are chewing lice , Ceratophyllus garei (a flea ), and Hippoboscidae flies ( Icosta nigra , Ornithoctona erythrocephala ). The peregrine falcon's diet varies greatly and

7566-417: The peregrine. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species over much of its range because of the use of organochlorine pesticides , especially DDT , during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Pesticide biomagnification caused organochlorine to build up in the falcons' fat tissues, reducing the amount of calcium in their eggshells. With thinner shells, fewer falcon eggs survived until hatching. In addition,

7663-506: The playoffs. They would beat the New York Dragons in the first round of the playoffs; however, they would lose to the Nashville Kats in the second round. In 2002 , they went 5–9, missing the playoffs. Following the season, Rogers announced that they were suspending operations of the franchise. The Phantoms drew an average of just 6,976 fans per game over their two seasons at Air Canada Centre . Six years later, Rogers entered into

7760-482: The preparation time that the Red Dogs had going into both teams' initial season of 1997. The CityHawks played poorly, winning only two of 14 games during their first season, despite being led by Head Coach Lary Kuharich , who had coached the Tampa Bay Storm to the league championship by winning ArenaBowl VII in 1993 . Meanwhile, the cross-river Red Dogs, under Head Coach John Hufnagel , had charged out of

7857-592: The solar disk, although most Egyptologists agree that it is most likely a Lanner falcon . Native Americans of the Mississippian culture (c. 800–1500) used the peregrine, along with several other birds of prey, in imagery as a symbol of "aerial (celestial) power" and buried men of high status in costumes associating to the ferocity of raptorial birds. In the late Middle Ages , the Western European nobility that used peregrines for hunting, considered

7954-399: The solar glare hypothesis. Falco peregrinus was first described under its current binomial name by English ornithologist Marmaduke Tunstall in his 1771 work Ornithologia Britannica . The scientific name Falco peregrinus is a Medieval Latin phrase that was used by Albertus Magnus in 1225. Peregrinus is Latin, meaning "one from abroad" or "coming from foreign parts". It is likely

8051-405: The species in captivity. The chicks are usually fed through a chute or with a hand puppet mimicking a peregrine's head, so they cannot see to imprint on the human trainers. Then, when they are old enough, the rearing box is opened, allowing the bird to train its wings. As the fledgling gets stronger, feeding is reduced, forcing the bird to learn to hunt. This procedure is called hacking back to

8148-654: The team defeated the Las Vegas Gladiators at Allstate Arena . When the AFL stopped play in 2009, Hohensee remained in Arena Football in Illinois. He coached the Peoria Pirates, but the team finished 5–11. Hohensee returned to coach the Rush when the AFL returned for the 2010 season. He led the Rush to a 10–6 season, and the team made the playoffs. On August 20, 2010, Hohensee announced he

8245-611: The team moved on to Toronto, and has continued his fine career into the 2006 season with several outstanding years for the Colorado Crush . The team did little better financially in New England than it had in New York, and was sold to new owners, who relocated it to Toronto after the 2000 season. The Toronto Phantoms marked an abortive attempt by the Arena Football League to enter Canada . The team

8342-472: The west and north, and nest in some urban areas, capitalising on the urban feral pigeon populations for food. Additionally, falcons benefit from artificial illumination, which allows the raptors to extend their hunting periods into the dusk when natural illumination would otherwise be too low for them to pursue prey. In England , this has allowed them to prey on nocturnal migrants such as redwings , fieldfares , starlings , and woodcocks . In many parts of

8439-513: The west coast of northern North America, large tree hollows are used for nesting. Before the demise of most European peregrines, a large population of peregrines in central and western Europe used the disused nests of other large birds. In remote, undisturbed areas such as the Arctic, steep slopes and even low rocks and mounds may be used as nest sites. In many parts of its range, peregrines now also nest regularly on tall buildings or bridges; these human-made structures used for breeding closely resemble

8536-491: The wild . To release a captive-bred falcon, the bird is placed in a special cage at the top of a tower or cliff ledge for some days or so, allowing it to acclimate itself to its future environment. Worldwide recovery efforts have been remarkably successful. The widespread restriction of DDT use eventually allowed released birds to breed successfully. The peregrine falcon was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species list on 25 August 1999. Some controversy has existed over

8633-480: The wing chord measures 26.5 to 39 cm (10.4–15.4 in), the tail measures 13 to 19 cm (5.1–7.5 in) and the tarsus measures 4.5 to 5.6 cm (1.8–2.2 in). The back and the long pointed wings of the adult are usually bluish black to slate grey with indistinct darker barring (see "Subspecies" below ); the wingtips are black. The white to rusty underparts are barred with thin clean bands of dark brown or black. The tail, coloured like

8730-779: The word "Phantoms" appearing over it. The name came from The Phantom of the Opera , the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that played at the Canon Theatre (then Pantages Theatre) in Toronto for nine years. The name was also a nod to minority owner Ronnie Strasser, whose family owned Phantom Industries, a women's hosiery company. In 2001 , the Phantoms posted a reasonable 8–6 record, winning the AFL Eastern Division Championship, and making

8827-491: The world peregrine falcons have adapted to urban habitats, nesting on cathedrals , skyscraper window ledges, tower blocks, and the towers of suspension bridges . Many of these nesting birds are encouraged, sometimes gathering media attention and often monitored by cameras. In England , peregrine falcons have become increasingly urban in distribution, particularly in southern areas where inland cliffs suitable as nesting sites are scarce. The first recorded urban breeding pair

8924-652: The world, such as the eastern United States and Belgium , this species became extirpated (locally extinct) as a result. An alternate point of view is that populations in the eastern North America had vanished due to hunting and egg collection. Following the ban of organochlorine pesticides, the reproductive success of Peregrines increased in Scotland in terms of territory occupancy and breeding success, although spatial variation in recovery rates indicate that in some areas Peregrines were also impacted by other factors such as persecution. Peregrine falcon recovery teams breed

9021-575: Was ArenaBowl XXII in which they defeated the San Jose SaberCats 59–56. After a 6–12 season, Hohensee resigned on July 27, 2011. On August 16, 2011, Hohensee was named the head coach of the Iowa Barnstormers . On August 4, 2014, it was announced that his contract would not be renewed. During his three seasons as Barnstormers coach, he posted a 19–35 record and failed to make the postseason once. On September 24, 2014, Hohensee

9118-658: Was named the head coach of the Portland Thunder . After a 5–13 record, and 3rd-place finish in the Pacific Division , Hohensee's contract was not renewed. Has since become inactive as an AFL coach. In 2016 Hohensee become the pass game & quarterbacks coordinator at McDaniel College , an NCAA Division III liberal arts college . Hohensee joined the Green Terror with fellow Arena Football hall of fame coach Mike Dailey . In 2019 Hohensee become

9215-529: Was observed nesting on the Swansea Guildhall in the 1980s. In Southampton , a nest prevented restoration of mobile telephony services for several months in 2013, after Vodafone engineers despatched to repair a faulty transmitter mast discovered a nest in the mast, and were prevented by the Wildlife and Countryside Act – on pain of a possible prison sentence – from proceeding with repairs until

9312-467: Was purchased by a group led by TD Securities Inc. investment banker, Rob Godfrey. The majority share of the team was owned by Rogers Communications alongside minority owners Ronnie Strasser, Peter Shoniker and Simon Serruya The group paid a reported $ 6–8 million for the franchise. The Phantoms played the 2001 and 2002 Arena seasons in Toronto , and were then disbanded. All home games were played at

9409-467: Was resigning from the Rush after nine season with the team. He finished with 108 regular season wins for the Rush and nine more in the playoffs. Hohensee was hired at the coach of the Philadelphia Soul on August 31, 2010. He was the team's first head coach since the team went on hiatus together with the league as a whole following the 2008 season. The team's last game prior to Hohensee's hire

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