Peregrine Falcon

Overview

The Falco peregrinus is a large, crow-sized bird of prey in the family Falconidae, renowned for its exceptional speed. It is the world's most widespread raptor and one of the most widely distributed wild bird species, found on nearly every continent except Antarctica.

Identification

• Plumage: Bluish-black to slate-grey back with indistinct barring; white to rusty underparts barred with thin, clean dark bands; distinct black malar stripe ('moustache') on the cheeks.
• Structure: Long, pointed wings with black tips; long, narrow, rounded tail with a black tip and white band at the end; black notched upper beak and black claws.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are significantly larger than males, weighing up to 30% more, though both display similar markings.
• Immature Birds: Much browner in colour with streaked rather than barred underparts and a pale bluish cere.

Habitat

The breeding range spans from Arctic tundra to the tropics, though it is absent from extreme polar regions, very high mountains, most tropical rainforests, and the islands of New Zealand. It is a highly successful urban wildlife species in many areas, utilising tall buildings as nest sites and cliffs in natural environments.

Diet

The diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, with feral pigeons and ducks being staple food sources, particularly in urban settings. While primarily avivorous, the peregrine will occasionally hunt small mammals, reptiles, or insects.

Did you know?

The species' malar stripe, or 'moustache', is larger in areas that receive more sunlight, serving to improve vision by reducing glare.