A peregrine usually lives 5 – 6 years, with the oldest on record living for over 16 years. Apart from the difference in size and weight, males and females have similar markings and plumage. Body length is 39 to 50 cm (15.5 – 20 in) with a wingspan of 95 to 115 cm (36 – 39 in).
Peregrines are sexually dimorphic there is a significant difference in size between the female (or falcon) and male (tiercel). More information and webcam can be found at Derby Cathedral peregrine webcam. Another site is on the tower of Derby Cathedral. At some urban nests, telescopes have been set up to enable passers-by to see the birds close-up. They can now be found on many high buildings, such as the chimneys of Tate Modern, and locally in Essex on Bradwell Nuclear Power Station. Indeed some have moved from their traditional nesting areas of sea cliffs and northern uplands to urban locations. Once the damage caused by DDT was understood, the product was banned and the population of peregrines has since recovered, from an estimated low in Britain of 350 pairs in 1962 to over 1,500.
It was the possibility that this great bird might become extinct that influenced Baker to write his book. Brooding of eggs was unsuccessful as the weight of the parents was too great for the shells. A build-up of the DDT pesticide in the food chain, of which the peregrine is at the top, led to weakening of their eggshells. In the mid-1960s when Baker was writing, the peregrine was under threat as a species. (Some, however, believe that the speed can be well over 200 miles per hour!) Peregrines can be found throughout the world, with the exception of the highest latitudes north of Spitzbergen. In level flight, a speed of 60 miles per hour is thought likely, but in a stoop, when the bird drops out of the sky on to a victim, speeds of over 120 miles per hour are estimated. This accolade recognises the peregrine’s remarkable speed and hunting ability. The Peregrine (Latin Falco peregrinus) is one of the world’s great birds, if not the greatest, in terms of its range and abilities.
0 kommentar(er)
