Breeding habitat selection of urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in London

Abstract

Understanding habitat selection by individual animals within their home range is crucial to facilitating their conservation. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations are increasingly urbanised, but little is known about their urban habitat use. In this study, we analysed the breeding habitat selection of peregrine falcons in London, United Kingdom, based on nest site locations identified through records of public sightings submitted to an online database between 2003 and 2018. We found peregrines displayed a preference for nesting in proximity to waterbodies, built-up areas and public parks and gardens, while wooded, agricultural and allotments areas were least preferred. We hypothesise that peregrines seek contrasting topography that proves advantageous for hunting in the vicinity of their nests, resulting in their selection of breeding sites within tall buildings that are adjacent to suitable foraging areas. From these findings, we conclude that (i) social drivers such as demand for green spaces and waterbodies near buildings shape peregrine nesting opportunities in the city and (ii) for urban planning to support conservation, we need further understanding of how each type of greenspace may be used differentially by raptors.

Digital geographies and ecologies

“…As peregrines recovered, they not only re-occupied historic nest sites on remote sea and inland cliffs, but also expanded into novel anthropogenic environments, building eyries in quarries and on urban buildings across the British Isles (Dixon, 2000). By 2000, peregrine nests were becoming commonplace throughout cities across the UK (Banks et al, 2010;Mak et al, 2021), and glimpses of the once-revered raptor were easily attainable as they adapted to urban environments with astonishing efficiency. The urbanised peregrine, in closer proximity to humans and in greater number, is one of biocultural prominence with implications for how cities are recast as more-than-human spaces beyond majoritarian perspectives of capital and human utility.…”

The digital peregrine: A technonatural history of a cosmopolitan raptor

“…Although the tower obscures the ocean for many human inhabitants of Brighton, this topographical contrast provides the ideal vantage point for its resident peregrines (Figure 2). Tall buildings surrounded by low‐lying spaces mimic cliff sites, offering ‘commanding views of the surrounding landscape’ (Mak et al, 2021a, p. 7). The relative height allows for peregrines to observe their surroundings, while providing them time to increase their stoop speed and consequential predation success (Drewitt, 2014; Jenkins, 2000; Ratcliffe, 1993).…”