The Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) has a vast breeding range extending from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. Both the English and Latin scientific names refer to the migratory habits of this wide spread species, though it is usually the arctic and north temperate populations that tend to migrate.
Speeds Attained by the Peregrine
When engaged in its hunting dive, the Peregrine falcon is said to be the fasted animal on the planet. Plunging through the air after its prey, which is primarily smaller birds but will take small mammals such as bats, rodents and rabbits, it is estimated that they reach speeds of 124 mph. One bird has been recorded on radar hitting a speed of 114 mph after a dive of 1000 feet.
Females are the larger of the species which is the size of a large crow. Their plumage varies from dark to light grey with a darker head and obvious darker moustache which is a contrast to its white or buff face and spotted breast. It has long, pointed wings and short tail which gives the bird a distinct anchor shape in flight. Strongholds in Britain are the uplands of the north and west of the country as well as rocky coastlines. However in recent years birds have begun to nest increasingly on man made structures in towns and cities.
Breeding
Sexually mature at one year old, peregrines lay a clutch of three or four eggs during the breeding season which runs between March and April. The incubation period lasts between twenty-nine and thirty-two days.
The Fate of the Peregrine During WW2
Although the the sighting of a peregrine in Britain today would probably be greeted with excitement, this was not always the case. During the second World War the air ministry ordered the destruction of peregrines because of their threat to carrier pigeons. This had a detrimental effect on population levels but their numbers plummeted to dangerously low levels during the late nineteen fifties and early sixties causing the species to be listed as endangered. By 1963-64 it was estimated that 80% of the UK population (around three hundred and sixty pairs) had been lost mainly due to the extensive use of organophosphates such as DDT. But due to a change in farming practices, the legal status of the bird and concerted efforts of conservation societies such as the RSPB, the UK population of the peregrine is estimated to be around twelve – thirteen hundred breeding pairs.
Legal Status of the Peregrine
The peregrine falcon is protected in the UK under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which gives the bird the highest protection affordable within the law. This means it is an offence to injure or kill a bird, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young and it is also an offence to disturb the birds when in close proximity to their nest during the breeding season, regardless as to whether the disturbance was intentional or not. Violation of the law can lead to fines of over five thousand pounds and or a prison sentence of six months.
Although the population level is relatively stable, continued vigilance and public awareness is required to ensure the future of the peregrine falcon.
Sources:
- RSBP on line
- The Observers Book of Birds by Rob Hume
- BBC WIldlife
- BBC WIldlife finder
 |
