Peregrine Falcon Conservation: Urban Recovery of Britain's Fastest Bird

The peregrine falcon has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction caused by organochlorine pesticides, and now thrives in urban environments across the UK.

Key Facts

Peregrine populations crashed dramatically in the 1950s-60s due to DDT and dieldrin thinning eggshells
Post-pesticide bans saw population recovery; the UK now has over 1,700 breeding pairs
Urban peregrines nest on cathedral towers, office buildings, and power station chimneys across Britain
Illegal persecution by pigeon fanciers and gamekeepers continues despite full legal protection
Peregrine webcams on nest sites attract millions of viewers annually, raising public awareness

Welfare Considerations

Individual peregrines continue to be illegally poisoned, trapped, and shot by those protecting racing pigeons or gamebirds, despite full legal protection and severe penalties. Lead poisoning from prey that has ingested shot ammunition affects birds throughout their range. Chick theft for the falconry trade, though less common than historically, still occurs. Each illegal killing reduces a recovered but still vulnerable population. Urban nest sites face disturbance from construction work and human interference.

What You Can Do

Report suspected illegal raptor persecution immediately to the RSPCA Investigations Unit or police
Support Raptor Persecution UK, which monitors and publicises illegal killing of raptors
If you locate an urban peregrine nest, report it to the RSPB nest register for monitoring
Engage with peregrine nest webcams to build public appreciation and support
Advocate for stronger penalties for raptor persecution and better enforcement of wildlife crime law