Peregrine - female, 27022022, 09 f

Peregrine,

 

One of the larger falcons, the Peregrine is a symbol of survival against the odds, these being persecution and pesticide poisoning that threatened it with extinction, Now it has made a strong comeback, in the UK, it is more common than it has ever been, although parts of its fomer range remain unoccupied, As with most falcons and hawks, females are considerbly larger than males, Pairs often remain together for long periods, soaring over nesting cliffs, Peregrines look dark against the sky, but a close view reveals black, white, and yellow adding sharp contrast to the over all grey,

Occurrence - Widespread but scarce, breeding through Scandinavia, N and W Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Alps, Italy, and Balkans, in hills and coasts with cliffs, increasingly in cities, Present all year, some wandering in winter,

 

Voice ;- Loud, raucous calls at nest include throaty haak-haak-haak and whining kee-keee-eeeeee and wheeee-ip ,

Nesting ;- On broad ledge or earthy scrape on cliff, in quarry, or more rarely on building or on flatter ground, 2 - 4 eggs, 1 brood, March - June,

Feeding ;- Kills birds of sizes ranging from thrush to pigeon or grouse, sometimes larger, often rising to take them from beneath, chasing in level flight, or stooping from great height,

 

Order ;- Falconiformes

Family ;- Falcnidae

Species ;- Falco peregrinus

Length ;- 39 - 50 cm ( 15,5 - 20 in )

Wingspen ;- 0,95 - 1,15 m ( 3 - 3ft 9ins )

Weight ;- 600 - 1,300g ( 21 - 46 oz )

Social ;- Family groups

Lifespan ;- Up to 15 years

Status ;- Rare

Done