Peregrine
Falco peregrinus
Wingspan 95-115cm

Britain's most impressive falcon. Formerly rare but now rather widespread. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts; face shows characteristic dark mask. Juvenile has browner plumage with streaked underparts. Sometimes seen perched on rocky crag but more usually spotted in flight with broad, pointed wings and relatively long tail. Soars with bowed wings but stoops on prey such as pigeons with wings swept back. Locally common on cliffed coasts of SW England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland; less so on upland areas inland.