Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
DESCRIPTION
Medium-large falcon with heavy chest and bulky body. Males are approx. one-third the size of females. Upperparts are blue-grey whilst underparts are white with lower chest and belly finely barred. White cheeks, throat and upper chest contrasts with black hood and prominent 'moustacial' stripe. Juveniles have brownish upperparts and its underparts are prominently streaked on breast and belly.
HABITAT
Mostly found on upland heaths and remote coastal areas. Also found in farmland areas where they utilize small crags and quarries and in urban areas where they nest in a variety of buildings. Have been known to nest in the middle of Limerick, Dublin and Belfast.
FOOD
Medium sized passerines such as thrushes and starlings, wood pigeons, domestic pigeons, gulls, waders and gamebirds.
BREEDING
Does not build a nest but lays its eggs on ledges of sea or inland cliffs or quarries, in old raven nests, on tall building ledges or in church spires. 3-5 eggs laid, incubation lasts 29-31 days.