As of Apr. 21, our pair of peregrines at Ameren Missouri's Sioux Energy Center had their first chick. As of today, Apr. 23, there are 3 chicks. When Mom is feeding, viewers can clearly see the 3 chicks and the 2 unhatched eggs. Hopefully we'll see a fourth and fifth chick over the next 2 days. Activity at the nest will definitely increase from now until fledging time,

which is when the young falcons leave the nest on their first flight. Even though the female brings the food item, the male probably killed it, gave it to the female, she ate some and brought the rest in for the chicks.

Males usually mature to fledging and leave the nest first, and that time will be about 45 days from now. Females leave the nest about 55 days from now. Because the males are significantly smaller than the females, it is presumed they leave first so they don't fall prey to the females. If the parents stop or can't feed for any reason, the smaller chicks could fall prey to the larger chicks. As cruel as this sounds, if one or 2 chicks survive, at least the nest would not be a total failure.

From what we've seen thus far, it seems both parents are very attentive, and we should see all chicks survive to fledging.

Continue to view our live video feed or see the videos we have available online! 

Jeff Meshach, Director
World Bird Sanctuary