Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Family Name: Falconidae
The Peregrine is a large falcon renowned for being one of the fastest flying birds that has reliably been recorded, reaching speeds of 350 kph (217 mph). It reaches these incredible speeds when hunting a range of medium sized birds, as it dives down knocking unsuspecting prey to the ground.
Peregrine falcons often use rocky outcrops and cliffs for nesting, making the limestone dales of the Peak District a suitable habitat for them. In the mid-20th century, the global population of peregrine falcons declined significantly due to the use of pesticides like DDT, which caused their eggshells to become thin and brittle, leading to a lack of reproductions. Following a ban on DDT, peregrine falcons began to recover. Unfortunately, the Peak District, like other parts of the UK, continues to experience persecution of raptors, with a significant proportion of incidents linked to land managed for gamebird shooting. This persecution includes incidents of raptors being shot or injured. To combat this, the RSPB and the PBNP have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to successful prosecution of raptor crime. The use of webcams at nesting sites, such as Derby Cathedral, has also increased public interest and awareness of peregrines and the challenges they face.