Status in Northern Ireland:
Widespread and common year-round resident.
The largest breeding falcon in Northern Ireland with a pronounced size difference between sexes. Adults have dark blue-grey upperparts (browner in females) and pale underparts with dark barring. The cere, eye ring and legs are yellow with a dark eye. Has prominent ‘moustache’ marking. Juveniles have brown upperparts and show heavy vertical streaking on underparts. This is a large, powerful falcon best known for its high speed vertical swoops to catch its prey which typically includes pigeons, shorebirds, ducks and other medium-sized birds, but will take a wide range of prey from goldcrests to geese. The peregrine is adaptable to many habitats from the uplands to the lowlands. Usually uses a scrape
on a bare rocky ledge for nesting and readily takes to cliffs, quarries and even tall buildings for breeding. Known to sometimes use old crow nests in trees, but fairly infrequently.