2. THE PEREGRINE FALCON

Peregrine falcons inhabit all continents except Antarctica. There are 22 known races (Ratcliff, 1980), ranging from the smallest in the equatorial regions to the largest which inhabit the artic region. Australian peregrines are of the larger type and they inhabit all areas except for the true desert areas of central Australia. As with all birds of prey, the female is approximately one third larger than the male. The male peregrine is generally the sole food provider during the period the female is on eggs and until the young are about 10 to 14 days old. It is then that the demand for food becomes beyond the abilities of the male alone and the female starts hunting close to the eyrie (nest ledge). The young at this stage can survive without constant care.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world with speeds of over 220kph being recorded.


Peregrines prefer the rockier and more remote areas of Australia. Where these occur, occupation by peregrine falcons may go back for many thousands of years. In places where these do not exist, man made structures are being used. These include quarries, road and rail cuttings, towers, buildings and bridges.