Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Prey and Urban Ecology

Urban peregrine falcons rely primarily on feral pigeons and starlings, with their ecological role in urban areas having welfare implications.

Key Facts

Urban peregrines prey mainly on feral pigeons, starlings and other birds
Their presence suppresses feral pigeon populations naturally and humanely
Kill methods through stoop and impact cause rapid death in most cases
Young peregrines learning to hunt make inefficient kills causing more suffering
Urban peregrines are increasingly using city buildings for nesting and roosting

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine predation is the most natural form of population management for feral pigeons in urban areas. The rapid death from a peregrine strike causes less suffering than many pest control methods. Young peregrines learning to hunt may cause additional suffering through inefficient kills - this is a normal ecological process.

What You Can Do

Support peregrine nest monitoring in your city
Discourage use of lethal pigeon control methods where peregrines are present
Report peregrine nesting activity to your local wildlife trust