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Bird of Prey

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

The Peregrine Falcon is famed as the fastest bird in the world, easily recognised by its strong build, dark hood, and striking barred underparts.

Overview Identification Report sighting
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At a glance

Quick field summary

The Peregrine Falcon is famed as the fastest bird in the world, easily recognised by its strong build, dark hood, and striking barred underparts.

Best seenAll year
HabitatUrban Coast Woodland Farmland Mountains
DietInsects, seeds and berries
StatusLeast Concern
Identification

How to identify Peregrine Falcon

Medium-large bird of prey with a blue-grey back and wings, white underparts with fine dark barring, a black head and distinctive 'moustache' mark. Pointed wings and a short tail.

  • Black ‘moustache’ mark on face, barred underparts, bluish-grey upperparts, powerful hooked beak.
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Where to see it

Habitat, range and timing

Commonly seen in cities and coastal areas where they nest on tall buildings or cliffs. Also found in open countryside and moorlands across the UK.

Use this section to describe the main UK regions, habitats and hotspots where this bird is most likely to be seen.

  • Scotland and northern England
  • Wales and western valleys
  • Southern England and coastal sites
Spring Breeding activity increases and birds become easier to locate by call and display.
Summer Look for family groups, feeding behaviour and regular movement between food sources.
Autumn Numbers and locations can shift as birds follow seasonal food and weather patterns.
Winter Use habitat, silhouette and flock behaviour to pick it out in mixed groups.
Behaviour

Song, movement and nesting

Known for fast, powerful flight with thrilling high-speed dives (stoops) to catch birds mid-air. Vocal calls include a sharp 'kak-kak-kak'.

Nests on high cliff ledges or tall urban structures. Does not build a traditional nest but lays eggs in scrapes. Breeding season runs from March to May.

Gallery

Photos and plumage details

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Similar birds

Use shape, plumage and habitat together to separate close matches in the field.

Look-alike guide

Merlin - smaller and less bulky.

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

Browse bird guide Look-alike guide

Hobby - slimmer, with chestnut underwing.

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

Browse bird guide Look-alike guide

Kestrel - smaller with more rufous tones.

Compare the key markings, proportions and likely habitat before confirming your sighting.

Browse bird guide
Keep exploring

Discover more British birds

Browse a few more field guides and keep building your knowledge of the birds around you.

Barn owl British bird profile British bird guide Barn owl View profile → Starling British bird profile British bird guide Starling View profile → Guillemot British bird profile British bird guide Guillemot View profile → British bird guide Northern gannet View profile →
Questions

Common questions

How fast can a Peregrine Falcon fly?

It can reach speeds of over 240 mph (386 km/h) in a stoop, making it the fastest bird in the world.

Where do Peregrine Falcons nest in cities?

They nest on tall buildings, bridges, and other high urban structures.

What do Peregrine Falcons eat?

Mainly medium-sized birds, caught in flight, and occasionally small mammals.

Are Peregrine Falcons endangered?

They have recovered from past declines and are currently listed as Least Concern.

Bird Watching UK