Peregrine falcons

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a medium-sized falcon recognisable by its blue-grey back, barred pale chest and the dark "moustache" mark below its eye. When it dives onto prey from a height, it reaches the highest speeds known in the animal world.

Where does it live?

It lives on every continent except Antarctica, from Arctic tundra to the tropics. In the wild it usually nests on steep cliffs and coastal bluffs; in cities it may use skyscrapers, bridges and church towers. It breeds in Türkiye and is common during migration.

What does it eat?

Its main food is medium-sized birds such as pigeons, starlings and seabirds, caught in flight. It spots prey from high up, tucks its wings against its body to go into a very fast dive and catches its target in mid-air.

Behaviour and social life

Peregrines usually stay with the same mate and use the same nest site for years. Northern breeding populations migrate south in winter, while some populations stay in the same area all year.

Chicks

The female usually lays 3–4 eggs. Both parents care for the chicks. After leaving the nest, young falcons stay with their parents for a while to learn to fly and hunt.

Conservation status

The peregrine falcon is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. In the mid-20th century, pesticides such as DDT thinned eggshells and sharply reduced peregrine populations in many countries. After these chemicals were banned and conservation programmes began, the species recovered strongly.

Fun facts

• Small bony bumps in its nostrils are thought to help it breathe at high speed.
• "Peregrine" means "wanderer".
• City peregrines naturally help keep pigeon populations in check.