The fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons have been in and around London for many years. Until recently sightings were rare.  By the mid 1990s individual birds began to spend the summers in the city, and by the late 1990s peregrines became a more common sight.  

Appearance and behaviour  Peregrines have broad, pointed wings and relatively short tails – giving them an anchor shape when in flight. They have a varied grey plumage with white chin and cheeks, and a distinctive moustache.

Conservation issues  The peregrine’s colonisation of London is part of a national resurgence after a serious decline in the mid 20th century. This drop in numbers was caused by the effects of pesticides such as DDT. There are still only around 1,500 pairs of peregrine falcons in the UK today.  However, there is good news - it was confirmed that peregrines had started breeding in the capital in 2001.

Wild facts  London’s peregrines use the city’s tall buildings and structures as substitutes for their traditional crag and cliff-ledge nesting sites. They prey on a wide range of birds including pigeons. During the Second World War the British Air Ministry ordered the destruction of peregrines due to the threat they posed to carrier pigeons. You are most likely to see one along the Thames or over the larger London reservoirs.

Where to see them
The Millennium Dome
Battersea Power Station
Tate Modern

In your patch  Find out if the peregrine falcon has been spotted in your area with the fantastic WIMBY tool, run by GiGL – Greenspace Information for Greater London.

Spotted  Have you seen a peregrine falcon in London? Let us know!  Register with GiGL and tell us about the species you’ve spotted in the capital.