Peregrines are a species of the order Falconiformes, family Falconidae which includes 39 species of falcons. The peregrine is one of five falcons found in Canada. Their courtship is marked by special flight patterns, and by the male bringing the female food. She shares the duties of incubation with her mate for approximately 33 days. Their down is replaced by feathers in three to five weeks and they are essentially full grown at six weeks of age.
Males develop a little faster than females.
Females, however, are larger and more powerful when full grown. Captive-raised birds released into the wild by the Hack Method are placed in the hack box at approximately 35 days of age. Between 40 and 45 days of age, young falcons begin to fly - a scary experience for the first few days. After about five days on the wing, the young falcons are much more adept. Juvenile birds begin to hunt for food and care for themselves at nine to 12 weeks.