Peregrine Falcons are renown to be one of the fastest birds in the world. When in the hunting mode the falcon plunges from the sky in a dive after its prey, and it is estimated that in this dive they can reach speeds of upto 300kph (200 miles per hour)

The Peregrines prefer and thrive in open landscapes and grass land though today many are becoming urbanised, prefering to nest in the tall buildings and bridges, where there is a ready supply of pigeons for prey. These falcons are regarded as one of the worlds most common birds of prey and live on all continents of the world less Antartica. Many of these birds migrate during the winter months and can clock up an amasing 15,000 miles during their yearly migration though today many of these birds are staying put in this country. The birds that do migrate always return to their same nest on their return, infact recorded evidence shows that many of the peregrine and their family members have returned to the same nests for over 100 years.

It was during the mid 1900's that as a result of preditation and farming techniques  the Peregrine population fell into decline. Fortunately the birds have rebounded strongly since the use of chemicals such as DDT and pesticides were curtailed.

Peregrine Falcons have large primary feathers which gives them long powerful pointed wings. They have blue/grey upperparts, with a speckled white breast with a closely barred white underside. They have large powerful yellow feet and a black bill with a yellow base. Facially they have yellow eye rings a large bill and white cheek patches on a grey/bluish face and head.

They catch medium sized birds in flight, with a swift swooping dive and the urban birds are quite masterful at catching pigeons.