Urban peregrine falcons have established thriving populations in UK cities, nesting on tall buildings and bridges. Despite this success, lead poisoning from prey remains a significant welfare threat to individuals.
Lead poisoning represents a chronic welfare threat to urban peregrines despite their population success. Birds that regularly consume lead-contaminated prey accumulate sublethal doses that impair neurological function, coordination, and immune response before obvious clinical signs develop. Acutely poisoned peregrines show characteristic neurological signs including head tremors, inability to fly, and prostration that require emergency veterinary intervention. The source of lead in urban prey species is complex: feral pigeons may ingest lead from old paint or soil contamination; other bird prey may have ingested lead shot in rural areas before moving to urban habitats. The solution requires action at source: complete elimination of lead ammunition removes the primary route of raptor exposure. Individual poisoned birds can be treated with chelation therapy if found promptly.