Peregrine Falcon
Latin: Falco peregrinus (Tunstall 1771)
Svenska: Pilgrimsfalk
Deutsch: Wanderfalke
The world’s fastest bird
The Peregrine falcon can fly over 300km/h. It hunts ducks and other waders, such as wood sandpipers and Northern lapwings, with astounding dives.
A hundred years ago, the Peregrine falcon was very common in the Mälardalen region. Due to hunting, there has been a steady decrease in the population since the beginning of the 20th century. This decline was accelerated in the 1950’s, partially because Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to the pollutants PCB and DDT. In recent years, the population has recovered somewhat. One female falcon recently spent the winter in Uppsala, which has not happened for the last century!
From late August to early November, the Peregrine falcon migrates to Western Europe or to Spain. A few may stay in Uppland – these may be the falcons who originally came from Finland. The migrating Peregrine falcons return to Uppland from April to early May, after which a few will continue their journey northwards in Sweden.
Photo: Sten Rundqvist ©
Latest sightings of Peregrine falcons in Uppland
BBC video about the Peregrine Falcon
NatureGate on Peregrine falcon
Wikipedia article on the Peregrine falcon