Darlington – World’s fastest animal Peregrine Falcon spotted

A peregrine falcon was seen taking a break in the town by Northern Echo Camera Club member Barry Raper.

It’s not the first time the birds have been spotted in the region, with sightings in Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire, the Teesside coastline, and near Durham City over the last 18 months.

Peregrine falcons are known for their record-breaking speeds, aerial dives that can reach speeds of 390 km/h (242 mph), allowing them to strike prey with surgical precision.

The Peregrine Falcon (Image: BARRY RAPER)

Though their level-flight speed is more modest, between about 25 and 35mph, their agility and vision give them the edge in aerial hunting.

For comparison, an adult cheetah can reach up to 120km/h or 75mph and the next fastest bird is the golden eagle which can fly up to 320 km/h or 199mph.

Their average size is around 42cm with a pointed wingspan of around 102cm.

Peregrine Falcon (Image: BARRY RAPER)

The species is enjoying a speedy comeback in the UK after being persecuted for many years. 

The peregrine falcon population has been increasing steadily since the 1960s, with its breeding range tripling from 1968 to 1972.

Since the 1990s, the birds have also moved into cities, with London having the second-highest urban peregrine falcon population in the world, beaten only by New York.

Peregrine Falcon (Image: BARRY RAPER)

In the UK, peregrines are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and classified as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).

During the first half of the 20th century, their numbers dropped for several reasons.

These included being hunted by gamekeepers, the pesticide DDT in the 1950s and being shot in the Second World War for fear they would prey on carrier pigeons.

 Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, the EPA’s restrictions on DDT, and the reintroduction of captive-bred chicks, their numbers have recovered.

What does the Durham Wildlife have to say about the Peregrine Falcon?

Like many of our birds of prey, the peregrine falcon was so persecuted, numbers fell dramatically. Thankfully, this super-speedy flyer is now making a comeback, particularly in our towns, where it nests on tall buildings.

• Length: 40-54cm
• Wingspan: 1.2m
• Weight: 670g-1.1kg
• Average lifespan: 6 years
• When to see: January to December

Until recently, the peregrine falcon was only found in the north and west of the UK.

Yet, over the last couple of decades, it has been spreading south.

In recent years, it has found some unusual nest sites, including Derby Cathedral and the BT Tower in Birmingham! These tall, city structures replicate the precipitous cliff edges that it would naturally nest on.

How to identify

The peregrine is the biggest falcon; it is dark slate-grey above and white below, with black bars across its chest and belly.

It has a white throat and cheeks, and a strong, black moustache and mask.