Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus peregrinator (Sundevall)

Identification: It is about the size of a Jungle Crow measuring 38-46 cm. in length, having broad shoulders and long pointed wings. It has a black head and a prominent black moustachial stripe. The back is gray. The plumage on the lower side is pinkish white and rusty red. It is narrowly striped on the chest and cross-barred on the belly. The tail is tipped in white beige. The skin of the cere, legs, feet and surrounding the eyes is bright yellow to orange.

Habitat: It is found near sea-cliffs, estuaries and coastal areas. It is one of the best birds to train for falconry.

Distribution: Resident of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP.

Breeding: It breeds in Thal, Chitral and Kohat districts of NWFP from March to May and lays 3 to 4 eggs per clutch.

Food: It feeds on partridges, quails, pigeons and in some areas on parakeets.

Status: Rare