Falcons
Peregrine Falcon
Copied!
Falco peregrinus
Copied!
Voice
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
Call
Mirko Tomasi
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
-
Crow-sized, compact raptor
-
Blue-grey back; pale underparts with fine dark barring
-
Black cap and bold dark moustache; wing tips black
-
Often on tall buildings in cities; hunting flight is a steep, fast stoop
About the species
The Peregrine Falcon looks compact and built for speed, with a deep chest and long, pointed wings. Adults usually feel strongly contrasting, with a dark head and pale underside, while young ones look browner and less sharp in tone.
Outside the breeding season it is usually quiet, but near the nest it gives a harsh, abrupt call. On the hunt it wastes little motion, often waiting from a perch before dropping into a fast, steep stoop.
It favors open places with a clear view, especially cliffs, river valleys, coastal edges, tall buildings, and bridges. It feeds mostly on medium-sized prey, and in cities pigeons make up a large part of the diet; in many places it stays year-round, while northern populations move south for winter.
Where to find
-
On ledges of tall stone buildings, bridges, and bell towers — often spotted perched high, then dropping in a near-vertical stoop after pigeons.
-
Along rivers, canals, and open waterfronts — circling above the water before a lightning-fast attack on ducks or gulls.
-
Around big squares and station roofs where pigeons gather — waits on the highest point and suddenly dives straight down.
-
On the edges of vacant lots and wide lawns — skims low over open ground, flushing sparrows and thrushes into the air.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Falco peregrinus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Peregrine falcon Encyclopedia article