Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The National Aviary has reported a record number of peregrine falcons counted in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This marks a significant comeback for the species, which was nearly extinct in the state due to the use of the pesticide DDT before it was banned in 1972.

Why it matters

The resurgence of peregrine falcons in Allegheny County is a testament to the success of conservation efforts to protect this raptor species. The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999 and Pennsylvania's list in 2021, demonstrating the positive impact of banning harmful pesticides and implementing other measures to support the falcon's recovery.

The details

Six peregrine falcons were recorded in Allegheny County during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, the highest number ever. This is thanks in part to a nest on top of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, where biologists have banded chicks for the past two years. The National Aviary runs a livestream camera to allow people to watch the falcons, Carla and Ecco, raise their family.

  • The peregrine falcon population declined sharply in the early 1960s, with the birds no longer nesting in Pennsylvania.
  • DDT, a harmful pesticide that negatively affected bird reproduction, was banned in 1972.
  • The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999.
  • The peregrine falcon was removed from Pennsylvania's endangered species list in 2021.
  • Carla laid her first egg of the 2023 breeding season on March 16.

The players

National Aviary

A nonprofit organization that operates an aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and plays a role in guiding conservation efforts for bird species like the peregrine falcon.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Pennsylvania's wildlife, including banding peregrine falcon chicks in the nest on the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning.

Carla and Ecco

The pair of peregrine falcons nesting on top of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, whose activities are livestreamed by the National Aviary.

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What’s next

The National Aviary expects Carla to lay her first egg of the 2023 breeding season in the coming weeks, marking the start of another season of watching the peregrine falcon family on the livestream.

The takeaway

The resurgence of peregrine falcons in Allegheny County is a conservation success story, demonstrating the positive impact of banning harmful pesticides and implementing other measures to support the recovery of this raptor species. The peregrine falcon's removal from endangered species lists is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts.