Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) have come back from the brink of extinction and are now even using urban buildings and bridges for their nest sites. Peregrines prey on a wide variety of birds, including the abundant and invasive European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) as well as the endangered California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni). California Least Terns populations are in decline primarily because of threats at their nesting sites, where development destroys important habitat and feral cats or birds like the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) eat eggs and young birds. Least Terns feed almost exclusively on small fish, here represented by Topsmelt (Atherinops affinis), making them indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems.
From my series of California Ecosystem illustrations feature threatened, endangered, or endemic species that highlight some unique aspect of California's incredibly diverse habitats. Each card has a short description of the creatures and relationships printed on the back.
Cards are blank inside and locally printed on acid-free paper. They measure 6" x 6" square. Envelopes included. Can be mailed with a single USPS First Class stamp.