Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Peregrine Falcon

UK History

For several centuries peregrines were virtually farmed in some areas, to provide birds for falconry. However they began to be persecuted, particularly on grouse moors, in the 19th century. During the Second World War over 600 were killed to prevent them killing homing pigeons used for emergency messages.

Widespread contamination by toxic agricultural chemicals such as DDT led to a population collapse in the UK in the late 1950s. By 1964, 80% of the UK peregrine population had been lost. Only birds in remote parts of Scottish Highlands were unaffected. After these pesticides were banned peregrine numbers slowly recovered, and by the late 1990s reached pre-decline levels over much of their former range.

UK Status

Widespread in the UK through the western part of England, and in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. In southeast and east England they are found on a small number of isolated sites, though their range is slowly spreading. The UK population was estimated at 1,400 pairs in 2002.

The peregrine is included on the Amber List of UK birds of conservation concern.

Global Status

Breeds on every continent except Antarctica. The European population is between 11-24,000 pairs.

Biology

Nest on inaccessible rock ledges on sea-cliffs and crags and occasionally on buildings. The female normally lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs in late March or April which are incubated for 28-32 days. The chicks fledge after 35- 42 days. They first breed at 2 years and most survive for around 5-6 years.

The feed on medium-sized birds, particularly pigeons.

Issues with humans

As with other birds of prey, peregrines are generally not welcome where game bird shooting is prevalent. The peregrine's habit of taking pigeons makes it a saviour in some city centres but a villain to pigeon racing enthusiasts.

The largest continuing threat to peregrines in the UK is from illegal persecution, particularly on grouse moors. Recent estimates by the Scottish Raptor Study Groups indicate that around a quarter of peregrine nests in southern and eastern parts of Scotland are subject to interference and killing.

The current population decline in northern Scotland may be the result of a reduction in prey availability caused by land use changes, or possibly the result of marine pollutants, including PCBs and mercury, present in the seabirds that form the diet of some peregrines in these areas.

As peregrine numbers have recovered, some pigeon fanciers and game interests have called for the removal of the legal protection given to peregrines. However, maintenance of legal protection is required under the European Birds Directive.

Peregrine Falcons nested on Derby Cathedral in 2006, sparking great interest and attracting 4,000 visitors to watch the birds. City nesting peregrines such as these may prove to be a welcome addition to the urban environment through predation of feral pigeons and gulls.

Future Outlook

The peregrine population is stable or increasing in most areas and in recent years there have been an increasing number of report of birds nesting on pylons, cooling towers, warehouses and even blocks of high rise flats. One or two pairs now breed in London.

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