1 April 2024

Carla and Ecco have accomplished almost two weeks of incubation on the Pitt peregrine nest and have three extra to go. As we watch them on the Nationwide Aviary falconcam it may be tough to inform who’s on digicam as a result of their look is comparable. Listed below are some ideas for determining which chook is on the nest proper now.

Nighttime incubation? It’s Carla besides …

Ecco typically brings meals earlier than daybreak so you might even see him on the nest within the early morning whereas Carla eats.

Everytime you’re unsure, use the following tips.

Dimension: Carla is bigger

Male peregrines are one-third smaller than females so measurement is the apparent option to inform the distinction between the Pitt peregrines (see slideshow at high). Nonetheless, Carla will not be an infinite feminine and at shut quarters on the falconcam together with her again turned I’ve a tough time figuring out her by measurement. The distinction is apparent on this slideshow however not when Carla is alone on digicam.

Plumage: Carla is Scalloped, Ecco is Striped

This spring in recent breeding plumage Carla’s feathers have white ideas that make her look look scalloped. Ecco’s feathers do not need lengthy white ideas so he seems to be vertically striped with tremendous black strains. Be aware that this distinction works proper now however feathers are dynamic and won’t look the identical in just a few months.

Quiz! Check your expertise

Follow recognizing measurement and plumage variations on this quick video that compresses 60 hours into 1:41 minutes. At this velocity the scale variations between Carla and Ecco are apparent however you’ll have to take a look at one spot on the display screen to note plumage. Stare at one place and suppose “Scalloped or Striped?”

Do you might have a favourite methodology for telling Carla and Ecco aside? Publish your tip within the feedback.

In the meantime get extra apply on the Nationwide Aviary Falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh.

(images and video from the Nationwide Aviary Falconcam at Univ of Pittsburgh)