Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
The Peregrine Falcon is a large and powerful bird of prey, notable for its incredible speed, and can be seen in Britain throughout the year, particularly in urban and coastal areas, with a notable presence in cities such as London and Manchester. It is a relatively common sight in Britain, with a widespread distribution across the country.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Peregrine Falcon in the field.
The Peregrine Falcon can be identified at a glance by its blue-grey back, white underparts with a barred pattern, and a distinctive black head with a white cheek patch, as well as its long, pointed wings and tail. Its overall shape and size are also distinctive, with a broad chest and a sharp, hooked beak.
The Peregrine Falcon is larger than a Crow, with males reaching lengths of around 34-40 cm and females being slightly larger, reaching lengths of up to 45 cm.
The male Peregrine Falcon has a slate-grey back, white underparts with a barred pattern, and a black head with a white cheek patch, with a distinctive black moustachial stripe, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
Similar to the male, the female Peregrine Falcon has the same slate-grey back, white underparts with a barred pattern, and a black head with a white cheek patch, although she is slightly larger and may have a more subdued colouration.
The Peregrine Falcon's call is a loud, sharp "kek-kek-kek" or a screeching "eeek-eeek-eeek", often heard when it is in flight or perched near its nest.
The Peregrine Falcon is a formidable hunter, feeding on a variety of birds, from pigeons to songbirds, which it catches in mid-air with its long, pointed wings and sharp talons, and is known for its characteristic hunting dive, or stoop, which can reach speeds of over 300 km/h.
The Peregrine Falcon can be confused with other large birds of prey, such as the Gyrfalcon or the Lanner Falcon, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, more slender build, and distinctive black head and white cheek patch, as well as its unique hunting style and call.
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