Wildlife

Peregrine Falcon: Urban Success and Ongoing Welfare Needs

Peregrines have colonised city buildings but still face significant welfare threats from persecution and pollution.

Key Facts

Peregrines are the fastest animal on Earth reaching 300 kilometres per hour in a stoop
UK population recovered from under 400 pairs in the 1960s to over 1,500 pairs today
Urban pairs now nest on cathedral towers, power stations, and tall buildings
They face ongoing illegal persecution particularly on driven grouse moors
Peregrines produce 2 to 4 eggs per clutch and pair for life

Welfare Considerations

Peregrines suffer welfare harm from illegal killing on grouse moors where they conflict with management. Lead poisoning from ingesting contaminated prey remains a serious threat. Disturbance at urban nest sites can cause nest failure. HPAI avian influenza poses a new threat to peregrine populations particularly those near seabird colonies. Young birds learning to hunt in cities face window strike risks.

What You Can Do

Support peregrine nest boxes on buildings and cathedral towers
Report any suspected illegal taking or persecution to police wildlife officers
Campaign for mandatory non-lead ammunition to reduce poisoning risk
Support RSPB peregrine monitoring and protection programmes
Raise awareness of urban peregrines to build public support for their protection