Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

The peregrine is a large and powerful falcon. It has long, broad, pointed wings and a relatively short tail. It is blue-grey above, with a blackish top of the head and an obvious black ‘moustache’ that contrasts with its white face. Its breast is finely spotted. It is swift and agile in flight, chasing prey. The strongholds of the breeding birds in the UK are the uplands of the north and west and rocky seacoasts. Peregrines have suffered persecution from gamekeepers and landowners, and been a target for egg collectors, but better legal protection and control of pesticides (which indirectly poisoned birds) have helped the population to recover considerably from a low in the 1960s. Some birds, particularly females and juveniles, move away from the uplands in autumn.

Where does it live?

Breeding

Nests on crags or other rock faces, sea-cliffs, offshore islands, quarries and on buildings in towns.

Wintering

Marshes, estuaries and farmland, particularly in the east.

What does it eat?

Medium-sized birds, such as wading birds, pigeons and small ducks.

What does it sound like?

Usually silent; at nest can make a high-pitched ‘kek-kek-kek-kek’ call.

When to see it

All year round