The breeding range of the Peregrine Falcon historically included most of North America. The current distribution of the species is somewhat more patchy. Falco peregrinus tundrius is found across the tundra, from Alaska through to Labrador and Greenland. Falco peregrinus pealei is found only along the Pacific Coast, primarily between the Aleutian Islands and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Falco peregrinus anatum* breeds at scattered locations throughout much of the rest of North America.

Considerable cliff-nesting populations now exist in the Rockies, Appalachians, and parts of Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces. Urban populations have also become established in most medium to large cities in the midwest and east, and within this range a number of pairs have also settled on bridges or smokestacks.

Winter distribution remains less well described. The pealei subspecies is thought to be mostly sedentary, though some can be found as far south as Oregon in winter. Those from the tundrius population tend to be highly migratory, commonly migrating to South America for the winter. Migratory behaviour among anatum Peregrine Falcons appears highly variable, with some migrating as far as South America, but many others (especially those with established urban territories) not migrating at all.

*Note - while the continental population is commonly referred to as the anatum subspecies, this is not entirely accurate. During the captive breeding program, adults from as many as half a dozen subspecies (North American, plus European and South American) were used. Thus, many of the current wild peregrines have a mixed heritage to some extent, and are perhaps best described as anatum-like.

• source: Migration Research Foundation