If you’re lucky enough to peek into a scrape—that’s the technical name for a peregrine’s home—you might expect a cozy, down-lined bed. Most birds do that, right? They weave twigs, grab some dried grass, and maybe snag some wool from a fence to keep the eggs warm. But peregrines are different. They’re basically the minimalists of the bird world. If you're looking for a soft, feathered duvet, you’re going to be disappointed.
So, are there feathers in a peregrine falcon nest?
The short answer is: not by design. Peregrine falcons don't actually build nests in the way a robin or a hawk does. They don't carry materials to the site. Instead, they find a ledge—usually on a skyscraper, a bridge, or a massive cliff face—and use their talons to scrape out a shallow depression in the gravel, dirt, or debris already sitting there. This is why birders call it a "scrape." While you will definitely see feathers scattered around the area, they aren't there for bedding. They’re usually the "leftovers" from breakfast.
The Brutal Truth About Peregrine Nesting Habits
Peregrines are apex predators. They eat other birds. That’s their thing. When you see a pile of feathers in or around a peregrine falcon nest, you aren't looking at a carefully constructed nursery; you're looking at a kill site.
These birds specialize in mid-air interceptions. They "stoop" at speeds over 200 mph and strike prey—pigeons, starlings, jays—right out of the sky. Once the prey is caught, the falcon takes it back to a "plucking post" or directly to the nest ledge. They rip the feathers off to get to the meat. Because of this, a peregrine scrape often looks like a crime scene. You’ll see the grey down of a pigeon or the bright blue wing of a jay caught in the gravel.
It’s messy. It’s gritty. It’s definitely not "soft."
The eggs are laid directly onto the substrate. You might wonder why the eggs don't get cold or break. Evolution is pretty smart here. The gravel in the scrape provides drainage so the eggs don't sit in rainwater, and the parents' brood patch—a featherless area of skin on their underside—transfers heat directly to the shells. They don't need feathers to insulate the nest because their own bodies do the work.
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Why You Won't Find "Padding"
Most people assume feathers are a requirement for a healthy chick. But for a peregrine, padding is actually a liability. Think about where they live. High-altitude cliffs and the 40th floor of a Chicago office building are incredibly windy places. If a peregrine tried to line a nest with loose feathers or dry grass, the first gust of wind would send the whole thing flying into the street below.
By laying eggs in a heavy gravel scrape, the falcon ensures the "nest" stays exactly where it is.
I’ve watched cam feeds from the FalconCam projects in places like Boise and New York. You’ll see the mother, the falcon, tucking her feet under her and wiggling into the rocks. Occasionally, a loose feather from her own molting process might get trapped under her, but she doesn't actively seek them out. In fact, if too much debris—like large feathers from a kill—accumulates in the scrape, the parents might actually flick them out of the way. They want a clean, stable surface for those eggs.
The Role of Prey Remains
While the feathers aren't for warmth, they do serve a purpose for researchers. Biologists often visit nest sites after the fledglings have left to perform "trash duty." By looking at the feathers left behind in the nest, they can tell exactly what the falcons were eating.
In urban environments, you’ll find a massive amount of rock dove (pigeon) feathers. In more coastal areas, you might find the remains of shorebirds. Dr. Tom Cade, who founded The Peregrine Fund, famously documented how these birds adapted their diet based on whatever was flying past their cliff. So, the feathers in the nest are basically a historical record of the local bird population.
Common Misconceptions About Falcon Scrapes
A lot of people confuse peregrines with other raptors. Bald eagles, for example, build massive "sky castles" out of sticks and lined with soft materials. Red-tailed hawks use twigs and fresh greenery. If you see a big messy bundle of sticks and feathers, you aren't looking at a peregrine nest.
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Peregrines are purists.
- They don't use sticks. Ever.
- They don't use mud.
- They don't use "nesting materials" in the traditional sense.
If you see feathers, it’s because a meal happened. It's also worth noting that peregrines are incredibly clean birds in their own way. They "slice"—which is a polite bird-nerd term for projectile pooping—over the edge of the cliff to keep the scrape from getting fouled. This keeps the immediate area around the eggs relatively sanitary, despite the piles of feathers nearby.
The Life Cycle Inside the Scrape
In early spring, the male (the tiercel) will start scouting locations. He’ll show the female a few different ledges. They’ll perform "ledge displays" where they bow to each other and scrape at the ground. This scraping action is vital. It’s a bonding ritual.
When the eggs arrive—usually three to four—they look like little reddish-brown stones. They blend in perfectly with the gravel. This is camouflage at its best. If the nest were filled with bright white feathers, predators like crows or owls would spot the eggs from a mile away. The absence of feathers is actually a survival strategy. It keeps the nest low-profile.
Once the chicks (eyases) hatch, they are covered in their own white down. At this stage, the nest might look "feathered" because the chicks are basically little cotton balls. But again, these are attached to the birds, not the nest itself. As the chicks grow, they start to lose this down, and the scrape becomes a blizzard of white fluff. This is the only time the nest truly looks "soft," but it's really just the result of the babies growing their adult feathers.
How to Identify a Peregrine Site Without Seeing the Bird
If you’re out hiking or looking at a building and want to know if a peregrine is nesting there, look for "whitewash." This is the dried excrement that streaks down the side of the cliff or building.
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Near that whitewash, you’ll often see a "cache" or a "plucking post." This is a flat spot near the nest where the falcon prepares the food. This is where you will find the most feathers. If the wind is right, some of those feathers will blow into the scrape, but they are incidental.
What Should You Do if You Find a Nest?
Honestly? Stay back. Peregrines are incredibly territorial. If you get too close to a scrape—whether it's on a cliff or a low bridge—the parents will "cack" at you. It’s a loud, rhythmic screaming. If you don't take the hint, they might dive-bomb you. Getting hit by a bird going 60 mph is not a fun afternoon.
If you’re interested in seeing what’s inside the nest without the risk of a concussion, stick to the live cams. Many cities now have 24/7 streams of their resident falcons. You can watch the entire process from the first scrape of the gravel to the first flight of the fledglings.
Actionable Insights for Birders and Nature Lovers
If you want to observe peregrine falcon nesting habits or find out more about the "trash" in their nests, here are the best steps to take:
- Check Local Skyscrapers: Many urban peregrines nest on "human-made cliffs." Check your local Audubon society or wildlife department website to see if there’s a known nest in your city.
- Use Binoculars, Not Drones: Drones are a huge no-no near falcon nests. The birds will attack them, which can injure the falcon or destroy your expensive gear. Use a good pair of 8x42 binoculars from a safe distance.
- Look for "The Plucking": If you find a pile of feathers on the ground near a tall building or cliff, look straight up. You might have just found a falcon’s favorite dining spot.
- Support Conservation: Groups like The Peregrine Fund or your local Raptor Trust work to keep these sites safe. Many nests on bridges are actually provided with "nest boxes" filled with pea gravel to give the birds a perfect place to scrape.
The presence of feathers in a peregrine falcon nest isn't about comfort; it's about the cycle of life. It's a reminder that these birds are the ultimate hunters. The "nest" is a functional, minimalist space designed for one thing: raising the next generation of high-speed predators. Next time you see a stray feather near a cliff ledge, don't think "bedding"—think "dinner."