Wildlife Welfare

Wild Peregrine Urban Welfare and Recovery

Peregrines have successfully colonised urban environments following recovery from pesticide-related declines, with new welfare challenges in city settings.

Key Facts

UK peregrine population has recovered from under 400 pairs in the 1960s to over 1,500 pairs
Peregrines nest on tall buildings and bridges in cities across the UK
Urban pigeons provide abundant prey supporting high urban peregrine productivity
Chick falls from buildings and windows cause mortality requiring wildlife rescue
Ringing and monitoring by licensed ringers tracks urban peregrine populations

Welfare Considerations

Urban peregrines face distinct welfare challenges including chick falls from man-made nest sites and collisions with glass and vehicles. Wildlife rescue organisations handle numerous urban peregrine casualties each year. Nest protection measures that prevent chick falls, combined with glass marking to reduce collisions, improve welfare outcomes for urban nesting raptors.

What You Can Do

Support urban peregrine monitoring and nest protection projects
Report fallen or injured peregrines to wildlife rescue organisations
Advocate for bird-safe glass on buildings near known nesting sites