Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Meet the Peregrine Falcon
Habitat & Range
Peregrine Falcons are one of the world's most widespread birds of prey and occur naturally in Tasmania.
They can live in a wide variety of environments, including coastal cliffs, rocky landscapes, forests, open country and even some urban areas.
In Tasmania, rocky cliffs and ledges provide important breeding sites, while surrounding open areas provide hunting opportunities.
What's on the Menu?
Peregrine Falcons are carnivores and feed mainly on birds. Their speed and agility allow them to capture prey in flight.
Rather than relying only on strength, Peregrines use height, speed and precision to hunt. They may circle or perch high above an area before launching an attack.
Amazing Adaptations
Peregrine Falcons have long, pointed wings and a streamlined body designed for fast, controlled flight.
Their exceptional eyesight allows them to detect potential prey from a great distance.
Strong feet and sharp talons are used to capture prey, while their hooked beak is adapted for feeding on meat.
Did You Know?
The Peregrine Falcon is famous for its high-speed hunting dive, known as a stoop.
During these dives, Peregrines can exceed 300 kilometres per hour, making them the fastest animals on Earth.
Behaviour
Peregrine Falcons are active during the day and spend much of their time watching their surroundings from high perches or flying across their territory.
Breeding pairs often use cliffs, ledges and other elevated locations. Unlike many birds, Peregrines do not build an elaborate stick nest. Instead, eggs are usually laid in a shallow scrape at the nesting site.
Peregrines can be territorial around important breeding areas, particularly when eggs or chicks are present.
Conservation & Threats
Peregrine Falcons are widespread, but individual birds can still be affected by human activities.
Disturbance around nesting sites can interfere with breeding, while collisions with vehicles, windows, fences and other structures can cause serious injuries.
Pesticides and other toxic substances can also move through food chains and affect birds of prey, highlighting the importance of responsible chemical use.
Peregrine Falcons at Trowunna
Trowunna provides specialist care for native birds of prey, including injured birds requiring wildlife rehabilitation.
Where recovery allows a bird to survive independently in the wild, rehabilitation and release are the goal. Birds with permanent injuries that prevent safe release may require ongoing specialist care.
Raptors in Trowunna's care also provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about Tasmania's birds of prey and the actions we can all take to reduce threats to wildlife.
How You Can Help
- Give wild Peregrine Falcons and their nesting sites plenty of space.
- Never deliberately feed wild birds of prey.
- Reduce unnecessary pesticide and poison use.
- Dispose of fishing line, netting and other entanglement hazards responsibly.
- Protect natural cliff, woodland and hunting habitat.
- Report injured native birds to an appropriate wildlife rescue service.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Birds of prey need space, quiet surroundings and the opportunity to retreat from visitors when they choose.
Please do not feed, touch, call to or attempt to interact with Trowunna's falcons. Keep noise to a minimum around their enclosures and always follow instructions from our wildlife keepers.