Note to Editors, Writers and News Directors:

The three Peregrine Falcon chicks will be banded at the Capitol at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4. Each chick receives two bands, one with a 10 digit number that can only be read on close examination. The other band is bi-colored (red and gray this year) and has a letter and number and can be read from a distance. Both bands are used to identify birds (similar bands are used to identify the adults at the Capitol each year). Blood is also collected from each chick as part of an ongoing genetic study conducted by the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

Background

The Peregrine Falcons are raising three chicks, or eyases, in a nestbox on the Capitol Building in Lincoln. The three eggs began hatching in mid-May.

Peregrine Falcons lay 3-6 eggs in April or May. The eggs hatch after a 30-35 day incubation period. Peregrine chicks are covered with soft, white down feathers, which will be replaced by juvenal feathers in the coming weeks.

They will grow and fledge at about 40-45 days after hatching. They may remain around the Capitol for a period after fledging, but will eventually leave their natal site in the late summer or early fall. The first year of life is the most dangerous for the Peregrines; 60 percent of young birds do not survive. For those that make it through the first year, they may live 12-15 years in the wild.

NOTE: Because of limited space, this event is NOT open to the general public.

Personnel Available for Comment at the Banding

Joel Jorgensen, Nongame Bird Program Manager, Nebr. Game and Parks Commission

Sonya Steckler, Nongame Bird Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Betsy Finch, Executive Director, Raptor Recovery Nebraska

Janet Stander, Raptor Recovery Nebraska

For additional information about the bird's biology history at the Capitol, visit www.OutdoorNebraska.org.