Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Falcon Prey Availability Welfare

Peregrine falcon welfare is shaped by prey availability, particularly of medium-sized birds, and persecution risk in upland areas.

Key Facts

Peregrines require a continuous supply of medium-sized birds including pigeons and waders
Urban peregrines have access to abundant feral pigeon prey year-round
Upland peregrines are at greater risk from illegal persecution on game moors
Chick welfare depends entirely on prey delivery frequency by both parents
Peregrines have the fastest stoop speed of any bird, exceeding 300 km/h

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine chicks with insufficient prey delivery experience hunger and growth failure. Illegal persecution by poisoning or destruction of nest sites causes death through direct intervention. Urban peregrines generally experience better prey welfare than upland birds threatened by persecution. Strong legal enforcement is the primary welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected peregrine persecution to the police and RSPB
Support Raptor Persecution UK monitoring and advocacy
Follow licensed peregrine nest cameras to engage with conservation