Volume 20, Plate IV / Ornithology (Birds)

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Among the strongest and most beautifully formed falcons, the Peregrine frequents mountainous and coastal districts of Britain, breeding on precipitous cliffs and faithfully returning to the same eyries year after year. Inland it preys on game, on the coast upon ducks and curlews, descending in a swift diagonal rush that fells or clutches its quarry; young birds are deep blackish brown above with rufous edging and reddish orange streaked underparts.