(KMAland) — New data released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources show the number of peregrine falcons in the state continues to hold steady.
Breeding peregrine falcons disappeared from Iowa in the mid-20th century. The department began a restoration program in 1989, releasing several dozen birds in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. As of 2003, a total of 169 birds were released in the state as part of a regional restoration effort to spread the falcons back across the Midwest. There were 20 active nests at the end of 2025.
Riggs Wilson, wildlife research specialist for the department, calls the peregrine falcon restoration effort a success story.
“Just kind of the intrinsic value of these birds as part of our natural ecosystem and the role that they play,” Wilson explained. “They’re a key predator in a natural ecosystem.”
Among the fastest birds on Earth, peregrine falcons routinely fly at about 60 miles per hour and reach speeds of 200 miles per hour when diving for prey. They are currently protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Wilson noted the raptors are mostly found in three main areas of the eastern part of the state, close to the Mississippi River.
“They’re going to be in your urban environments, on large buildings, bridges, that kind of thing,” Wilson pointed out. “Mississippi River bluff faces, and then we do have a few that nest on energy plant towers.”
Aside from regulatory statutes, Wilson added tower operators are good stewards of the birds. Some local officials have set up online cameras for the public to see them.
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