Peregrine Falcon question

[Michael Tarburton <>]

G’day Bob & Others

I have seen Peregrines on the Townsville Common take a pigeon.  The male was sitting 1-2 m behind the pigeon in level fast flight and the female stooped down from above and took the pigeon.  They moved off together presumably to share the catch.

In Suva, Fiji.  The female from the mountains used to come and live in town each ‘winter' - well known for taking pigeons over the main streets, then consuming them on the RC church spire or the Communications towers.  Fergus Clunie used to visit these sites once a week and determine what she had been catching.  Pigeons were the main prey, but she also took other species including a seabird that Neither Fergus or I had seen close to shore.

HAppy hunting

Mike

On 24 Dec 2018, at 8:18 PM, Bob & Trish Sothman <> wrote:

A pair of Peregrine Falcons have resided on top of the 12 story Grand Hotel at Glenelg, an Adelaide seaside suburb, for many years. Since I have been living in the area (three years) I have seen one, most likely the male (based on size) most days.  Occasionally, there are two.

There is also a good sized flock of Feral Pigeons in the area and on some days when the peregrines are not there, I see 5 to 6 sitting where the peregrines perch. On several occasions I have even seen several pigeons perched within 3 – 5 metres of a resting peregrine.

What I don’t understand is why the pigeons appear to show no fear of the peregrines. I cant find anything in HANZAB on this subject. HANZAB does indicates Feral Pigeons are Peregrine Falcon’s most common prey. It even says another name for the falcon is Pigeon Hawk.

Any comments welcome. 

Thanks,

Bob Sothman Adelaide

 

 

 

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