There’s a peregrine in this picture. Can you see him? (photo by Kate St. John)

2 May 2025

Though peregrine falcons are the same size as crows they have an uncanny ability to hide in plain sight.

In my photo above taken in May 2015, there’s a peregrine perched on the Union Trust Building in Downtown Pittsburgh. Can you see him? (It’s Louie.)

And here’s a peregrine hidden in plain sight on a cliff.

A classic example of the near perfect camouflage of an adult Peregrine spotted on a coastal cliff. ? pic.twitter.com/T4mH55NYCb

The best way to find a camouflaged peregrine is to look for whitewash (poot) on the cliff or building.

There are two nearly camouflaged peregrines in Jeff Cieslak’s photo below, taken on Cathedral of Learning Banding Day 2022 from Flagstaff Hill. Inside the red circle one is flying to the left (Morela) and another is perched on a stone peak to the right (Ecco). Note the whitewash on Ecco’s perch. It indicates that’s one of his favorite locations.

Morela and Ecco on Banding Day 2022 (photo by Jeff Cieslak)

If you’re looking for a peregrine and can’t find any of these clues, check every knob with enough room for a peregrine to stand and take off.

Good luck! Peregrines can be perfectly camouflaged.