Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Description
A large, powerful falcon, about the size of a crow. Upperparts of adult are blueish, slate grey with faint barring, darker wingtips and narrow bands on tail. Head is darker with distinctive dark, broad moustache. Underparts are whitish buff with heavy, dark barring. Wings are pointed with broad base and tail is short and tapering. Eyering, cere and legs are yellow. Female is noticeably larger than male.
A Peregrine’s diet consists of medium-sized birds such as pigeons, crows, ducks and waders but they will also take mammals. Prey is often taken on the wing, either by chasing them down or more commonly by using a fast stoop from above. The force of the impact in the latter generally knocks out the prey or even kills it. The speed of a Peregrine’s stoop is believed to range from 125mph to over 200mph depending on the birds size and weight and also other factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure etc.
It nests on ledges or crevices in cliff or quarries. It also has become increasingly common for Peregrine to nest on churches, cathedrals and tall buildings.
Flight
Normal flight is relatively slow, with powerful, shallow wingbeats, interspersed with periods of gliding. Can indulge in display flight together, circling high or performing an undulating flight, with downward plunges.
Call
Loud, far carrying calls, especially near nest. High pitched ‘Kek-kek-kek’ or shrill ‘kee-arrrk’.
Habitat
Hilly, mountainous areas and moorlands. Coasts, estuaries, saltmarshes and other wetland areas.
Where to find Peregrine
In recent years, Peregrine has nested on Chichester catherdral and the RSPB have set up cameras at the nest and viewing points near the cathedral. The RSPB also has a similar scheme at Symonds Yat in the Wye Valley, Herefordshire.