MUNCIE, Ind. – A clutch of recently hatched peregrine falcons were introduced to the public Thursday as a part of plan to populate downtown Muncie with the birds.

The birds were on display outside the building from noon to 3 p.m. following their arrival from a South Dakota breeder, said Tom Morrell, a Ball State University biology professor.

Six peregrine falcons, known as a "clutch" when in a small group as youngsters, are to released by the student chapter of The Wildlife Society in early July from nest facilities on top of the Delaware Building, 201 E. Jackson.

The peregrine falcon is one of nature's swiftest and most beautiful birds of prey. The name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, meaning "foreigner" or "traveler." It is noted for its speed, grace and aerial skills. There are three subspecies of the peregrine falcon in North America: the American, Arctic and Peale's.

The falcons are roughly crow-sized -- about 15 to 21 inches long -- with a wingspan of about 40 inches. As with many raptors, or birds of prey, females are larger than males.

Bird watchers with binoculars will keep tabs on the young birds during their first few weeks, said Cheryl Fisher, a Ball State senior from Yorktown and president of the student club.

After the birds are released, club officials hope the falcons will return to nest in the area in coming years.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Fisher by e-mail at cyfisher1@aol.com. Morrell may be reached at tmorrell@bsu.edu.)