Written by Bryan Watts
January 7, 2009

James in 2004, on a cable along the James River Bridge, where he bred for 18 years. Photo by Bryan Watts.

Like many bird species, peregrine falcons have high mortality in the first year, followed by lower mortality in subsequent years. Median life expectancy of birds that reach their second year of life, is still only between 4 and 5 years. Only 3% are expected to live beyond 10 years. The grand old male peregrine falcon, nicknamed “James” by the public, is still breeding on the James River Bridge at the ripe old age of 19 years old. He is now approaching a longevity record for peregrine falcons in the wild, believed to be 19 years, 3 months.

One of many broods produced by peregrines, James and Virginia. Photo by Bryan Watts.

James feeding brood of four in nest box on James River Bridge. Photo by CCB.