Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Falcon Prey Diversity Welfare

Peregrine falcon welfare is linked to prey diversity and availability. Understanding their food ecology helps conservation management.

Key Facts

Peregrines prey on a wide variety of birds from pigeons to waders
Urban peregrines specialise in pigeons and starlings
Lead from shot prey accumulates in falcon tissues causing sublethal effects
Prey availability varies seasonally affecting peregrine body condition
Breeding success is linked to prey availability in territory during chick rearing

Welfare Considerations

Peregrines with limited prey diversity face nutritional challenges when primary prey is scarce. Lead accumulation from ingesting shot prey causes sublethal welfare harm including neurological effects. Maintaining prey diversity through habitat management and eliminating lead from prey species protects peregrine welfare.

What You Can Do

Support raptor-friendly game shooting practices eliminating lead shot
Advocate for mandatory lead shot replacement in game shooting
Report peregrine sightings and breeding success to BTO monitoring schemes