The University of Texas at Austin's Tower is sometimes visited by Peregrine Falcons during their migrations. Not long ago, one nicknamed “Tower Girl” made her nest in a box constructed for her at the top of UT's 302' iconic tower. This web cam shows bird activity in the nest box area where different raptors often come, including Peregrine Falcons. The camera also shows various views of the 40 Acres and surrouding area.
Biodiversity Center scientists and students study issues of land use and species interaction in Texas and work to raise awareness about a wide diversity of animals, plants, ecosystems and their interactions. This project supports the Biodiversity Center’s mission in research, education, and public engagement.
Popular demand for this web cam has increased our costs. Help keep the camera on air by supporting the Biodiversity Center's research and outreach missions with a donation today.
FUN FACTS:
- Peregrine Falcons are considered the fastest animal on the planet, with average cruising speed of 37 – 53 kilometers per hour (24 – 33 miles per hour), up to 107 KPH (67 MPH) when hunting down their prey. When “stooping” (dropping on their prey with wings closed), the Peregrine Falcon can achieve speeds over 321 KPH (200 MPH).
- Male Peregrine Falcons visit Tower Girl in the late winter and early spring to start courtship and mating.
- The Peregrine Falcon is an apex predator. Austin's abundant pigeon, dove, and grackle populations make up much of the diet for Tower Girl. However, Peregrines may themselves fall victim to other predators competing for food or territory. These mostly include other birds like Great Horned owls, Red-tailed hawks, and other Peregrine Falcons.
- Austin is considered the edge of the peregrine breeding range, so any hatching eggs atop the UT Tower would expand the known breeding range of the species.
- UT Austin students in classes such as Biology of Birds have observed Tower Girl and used her to practice their field-work and observational skills.
- Peregrines are considered an endangered species success story. A ban on the chemical DDT led them to be removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999. However, Texas Parks & Wildlife notes that Peregrine Falcons continue to have "threatened" status in Texas.
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The Peregrine Falcon is the national animal of the United Arab Emirates, and the official city bird of Chicago. It also makes an appearance on the 2007 Idaho state quarter.
- Most Peregrine Falcons migrate but Tower Girl's stay we think was due to an injury.
- Bruce Calder (B.S. ’81) first proposed installation of the falcon nest box and nest cam in 2013.
We thank the Winkler Family Foundation for their generous support of the Biodiversity Center, which enables projects including the Falcon Cam.
Photo credits: Neil Crump, Martin do Nascimento of KUT, Chris DuCharme