Wildlife

Peregrine Falcon Welfare in Urban Breeding

Peregrines have adapted remarkably to urban breeding, nesting on skyscrapers, cathedrals and power stations, and urban populations are now a conservation success story benefiting from reduced persecution.

Key Facts

Urban peregrine populations have grown significantly since the 1980s as city breeding became established
Buildings such as Chichester Cathedral, Tate Modern and Leeds Civic Hall host regularly monitored nest sites
Urban prey including feral pigeons and starlings provide reliable food sources year-round
The RSPB and local groups run peregrine watch schemes at urban sites during the breeding season

Welfare Considerations

Urban peregrine welfare is generally high compared to upland populations as persecution is much lower in city environments. However, vehicle and window strikes cause mortality and injury, and rodenticide exposure from urban prey can cause secondary poisoning. Urban breeding success has made peregrines ambassadors for raptor conservation among city residents.

What You Can Do

Participate in urban peregrine watch schemes run by local groups and the RSPB
Report injured or dead urban peregrines to the Raptor Persecution UK or local wildlife rescue
Reduce rodenticide use in urban environments to reduce secondary poisoning risk to peregrine prey
Support planning applications for peregrine nest platforms on tall buildings undergoing renovation