Peregrine Falcon
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to Laurence Poh pohsp@pc.jaring.my
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Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus
ernesti). Size 38-48 cm (15 -19 in). Large, compact broad and
pointed winged falcon. Upperparts slate-grey, bill blackish with yellow cere,
leg yellow. Yellow orbital skin.
F.p. ernesti is a dark bird with black on head showing as a hood with
sides of neck very
much reduced. Underparts lavender grey marked with bold dark bars. Occurs
worldwide on all continents. Populations from northern latitudes are migratory,
wintering south to South America, Africa, South-East Asia to New Guinea. Found
in low
elevations up to 2000 m. F.p. enersti is resident, confined to outcrops south to
Batu Caves in Selangor. Habitats include limestone cliffs, forests, the forest
edge,
open country, mangroves, sea-coasts. Flies very fast, making steep dives to
knock out
birds in the air before swooping down to retrieve them. Great dexterity and
acrobatic skills in flight.
