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Frequently Asked Questions

What can viewers see on the Reston Town Center Falcon Cam?

Watch a pair of peregrine falcons nesting high atop a Reston, Virginia skyscraper, where they court, incubate eggs, and raise their chicks with sweeping views of the urban skyline.

Where is the Reston Town Center Falcon nest located?

The nest is situated on a high ledge of a building in Reston Town Center, giving the falcons a perfect vantage point for hunting and protection from ground predators.

When is the best time of year to watch the falcons?

Spring through early summer is peak nesting season when viewers can witness courtship, egg incubation, hatching, and young falcons learning to fly.

What makes peregrine falcons so special?

They’re the fastest animals on Earth—able to dive at speeds over 200 mph while hunting!

Why do peregrine falcons nest on tall buildings?

High ledges mimic their natural cliffside habitats, offering safety and excellent sightlines for spotting prey like pigeons and starlings.

How can you tell the male and female apart?

Females are noticeably larger than males, a common trait among raptors, though both share the same sleek, barred plumage.

What do peregrine falcons eat?

Their diet mostly consists of medium-sized birds caught mid-air, demonstrating their incredible speed and precision.

Do peregrine falcons migrate?

Some do! Northern populations often migrate south for winter, while urban pairs like this one may stay year-round if food is plentiful.

How many chicks do peregrine falcons usually raise?

Typically, they lay three to four eggs per season, and the young—called eyases—fledge about six weeks after hatching.

What’s that high-pitched sound the falcons make?

That’s their sharp “kak-kak-kak” call, used to defend territory or communicate between mates and chicks.

How do the falcons care for their young?

Both parents share duties: the female broods while the male hunts, bringing prey to the nest for feeding.

What threats do urban falcons face?

Collisions with windows or power lines and occasional disturbance by humans are common risks, though conservation efforts have greatly improved their safety.

Are peregrine falcons still endangered?

No—thanks to conservation and banning harmful pesticides like DDT, peregrines have made one of the greatest wildlife recoveries in North America.

How fast can peregrine falcons fly?

In level flight, about 40–55 mph, but during a stoop dive, they can exceed 200 mph—making them nature’s fastest fliers.

What’s the lifespan of a peregrine falcon?

In the wild, they typically live around 12–15 years, though some banded individuals have reached over 20.

Why are peregrine falcons important to the ecosystem?

They help control bird populations and serve as indicators of environmental health, especially in urban environments.

Do peregrine falcons reuse the same nest each year?

Yes, many pairs return to the same ledge or scrape each breeding season if conditions remain favorable.

What happens when the chicks leave the nest?

After fledging, young falcons practice flying and hunting nearby before dispersing to find territories of their own.

Can peregrine falcons see in the dark?

Not like owls, but they have exceptional daytime vision—eight times sharper than a human’s—perfect for spotting prey from great distances.

Why do peregrine falcons have a dark “mustache” mark?

Those black facial markings reduce glare from sunlight, much like natural sunglasses, and help them focus while diving.

What’s unique about the peregrine’s hunting dive?

They fold their wings tight against the body, forming a teardrop shape to minimize drag and strike with pinpoint accuracy.

Are peregrine falcons loyal to their mates?

Yes, they typically form long-term pair bonds, returning to the same nesting site with the same partner each year.

Do peregrine falcons interact with people?

They generally avoid humans, but in cities they’ve adapted well—nesting peacefully near busy offices and residents who admire them from afar.

How did peregrine falcons make a comeback in cities like Reston?

Wildlife agencies and volunteers installed nest boxes on tall buildings, helping displaced falcons find safe nesting sites and boosting their numbers.