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  • Peregrine falcon

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Peregrine falcon

Peregrine (adult)
Peregrine (adult)
Peregrine (adult in flight)
Peregrine (adult in flight)
Peregrine (juvenile)
Peregrine (juvenile)
Peregrine (juvenile in flight)
Peregrine (juvenile in flight)
  • Scientific name: Falco peregrinus
  • Bird family: Falcons
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Peregrine call audio

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Tomas Belka, Xeno-canto

Key information

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 barred. 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 were at a low point in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain. Improved legislation and protection has helped the birds to recover and they have now expanded into many urban areas.

However, they are still persecuted - birds are illegally killed to prevent predation on game birds and racing pigeons. They also have eggs and chicks taken for collections and falconry. Peregrines are a Schedule 1 listed species of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

What they eat:

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

Measurements:

Length:
39-50 cm
Wingspan:
95-115 cm
Weight:
600-1300 g

Population:

UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.
UK breeding:
1,500 pairs

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Peregrine (adult)

Peregrine adult
Feather colour: Black Grey White
Leg colour: Yellow
Beak: Black Yellow Short Hooked Powerful Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Upland Wetland

Peregrine (juvenile)

Juvenile Peregrine
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White
Leg colour: Yellow
Beak: Black Yellow Short Hooked Powerful Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Upland Wetland

Similar birds:

Flying Hobby illustration
Hobby

Where and when to see them

Peregrines can often be found above rocky sea cliffs and upland areas throughout the UK in the breeding season. In winter, they are often seen hunting above East Coast marshland. The RSPB hosts a series of Date with Nature events across the UK during the breeding season to help nature lovers spot these stunning birds.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Peregrine falcon distribution map

You can see peregrines all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Dove Stone
  • RSPB Lake Vyrnwy
  • RSPB Greylake
  • RSPB Capel Fleet
  • RSPB Mull of Galloway
  • RSPB Hobbister
  • RSPB Rainham Marshes
  • RSPB South Stack Cliffs
  • RSPB Dee Estuary - Point of Ayr
  • RSPB Labrador Bay
  • RSPB Ramsey Island
  • RSPB Pulborough Brooks
  • RSPB The Oa
  • RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh
  • RSPB Saltholme

Video

Footage of a peregrine in flight.

Footage of a peregrine in flight.

Peregrine video screenshot

In more depth

Nest sites and breeding habits

Nest sites and breeding habits

Peregrine Falcon Threats

Peregrine Falcon Threats

Peregrine habitat and food

Peregrine habitat and food

Population numbers and trends

Population numbers and trends

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Find out how wild birds and their eggs and nests are protected by the law and where to find out more detailed info.
RSPB Giving Nature a Home Campaign

Friends of Ramsey Island

Bought by the RSPB in 1992, Ramsey Island is a truly spectacular island reserve just off the north Pembrokeshire coast.

What's that bird of prey?

Sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons and goshawks are agile hunters that are supremely adapted to their environments.

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