Fauna Spotters logo

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon is a large, widespread Australian raptor that hunts mainly birds in open airspace. It can occur from the coast to alpine areas, in natural cliffs, woodlands near water and city buildings, so nests, roosts and flight paths may occur within or near works sites. It is not listed as threatened nationally, although it is listed as Rare in South Australia, but it is treated as an EVNT species for assessment purposes and has additional state protections and conservation categories in some jurisdictions.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare. This listing covers only Falco peregrinus macropus.

Breeding season

Peregrine Falcons are resident in Australia and can breed from August to December, with timing varying between regions. Breeding sites may be on cliffs, in tree hollows, in abandoned large bird nests, or on tall buildings and other structures.

Breeding mode: Egg laying. Pairs generally mate for life and defend a breeding territory.

Clutch size: Two to four eggs, usually three. Four eggs are rarely recorded.

Incubation: About 29 to 33 days, or approximately 30 days.

Nestling period: About 35 to 40 days before fledging.

Parental dependence: Fledged young remain dependent while learning to hunt. Independence may occur at about four to five months of age.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest and breeding sites: Cliff recesses and ledges, tree hollows, abandoned large bird nests, high-rise ledges, bridges and nest boxes or other artificial cliff structures.

Breeding timing and the duration of juvenile dependence vary between regions and years, so active nests and nearby fledglings should be checked before works begin.

  • Adult presence and territorial activity: Adults are resident and may use cliffs, woodlands near water, rocky outcrops and urban structures throughout the year.
  • Breeding, laying and incubation: Breeding and egg laying are recorded mainly from August to November, with the peak breeding period extending to December in Western Australia.
  • Eggs and nestlings: Eggs and nestlings may be present from August to December, with hatching following about 29 to 33 days of incubation.
  • Fledglings and dependent young: Fledglings may remain dependent for several months while they develop flight and hunting skills, so dependent young can extend into early autumn.
  • Juvenile dispersal: Young birds disperse widely after gaining independence and may later return to their original area to breed.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing and construction have the highest risk from August to December, and disturbance may continue to affect fledglings and dependent young into early autumn.

Identification: Appearance and size

Peregrine Falcons are large, powerful falcons with a distinctive black hood and long pointed wings. They are often seen alone or as a pair, flying high above cliffs, woodland or city buildings.

Adults have blue black upperparts, a black hood, a creamy white chin and throat, and finely barred underparts. The bill, eye ring, legs and feet are yellow, with the bill tipped black.

The wings are long and tapered, and the tail is relatively short. Females are noticeably larger than males.

Flight: Powerful wing beats alternate with glides. A hunting bird may dive in a steep stoop at very high speed.

  • Body length, about 35 to 50 cm.
  • Wingspan, about 80 to 105 cm.
  • Juveniles are brown and cream, with vertical rather than adult horizontal barring. Their cere, legs and talons are paler.

Identification: Calls and similar species

The call is loud, shrill and repeated, often described as “hek-ek-ek” or “kee-kee-kee-kee”. Calls may be heard well before the bird is seen. Females generally have a lower-pitched call than males.

The Australian Hobby is smaller and has reddish brown underparts. Its black facial marking does not extend around the head as a full hood.

  • Use the combination of size, black hood, long pointed wings and high, fast flight to separate a Peregrine Falcon from smaller falcons.
  • Do not rely on flight speed alone. Confirm the shape, hood and underwing pattern where possible.

Identification: Field signs

Look beneath regular roosts, cliff ledges, building ledges and nest sites for whitewash, feathers, prey remains and pellets. Prey remains may include plucked bird wings, feathers and bones.

Peregrines scrape a shallow nest rather than building a substantial nest. A scrape may be on bare rock, gravel, a ledge or a hard artificial surface.

  • Repeated alarm or contact calls from a cliff, tower or building ledge.
  • Large bird pellets without the glazed mucus coating typical of Tyto owl pellets.
  • Plucked bird remains on ledges, trees, roofs or other regular perches.
  • Whitewash and concentrated feathers below a regular perch or nest scrape.

Distribution: Australian range

Peregrine Falcons occur across Australia and are mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. They are widespread internationally and occur on every continent except Antarctica.

In Australia, the species occurs from the coast to alpine areas and from rainforests to the arid zone. It is widespread but not common anywhere across its Australian range.

Records include natural cliffs, inland ranges, riverine country, open woodland near water and urban areas. The species may be missed because adults range widely and often fly high above the canopy.

  • Mapped Australian jurisdictions include NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
  • Examples of recorded areas include south eastern Queensland, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges, Victorian gorges and cliffs, the Orange region of New South Wales, Melbourne and the Western Australian Goldfields.

Distribution: Regional occurrence on works sites

A site may be within a pair’s home range without containing a nest. Pairs have been reported using home ranges of about 20 to 30 square kilometres in some South Australian guidance, while much larger ranges have been recorded in Queensland.

Young birds can travel widely and unfamiliar falcons may pass through established territories. Treat suitable cliffs, high structures and large trees as potential habitat even when no bird is seen during an initial inspection.

  • Check nearby cliffs, gorges, breakaways, towers, bridges and high buildings.
  • Consider offsite nest and roost locations when assessing tall structures, cranes, powerlines and other high points.
  • Record repeated observations, flight direction, calls and any territorial behaviour.

Distribution: International range and movement

Peregrine Falcons are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia. The Australian race is described as non migratory, although young birds disperse widely after fledging.

Adults are generally resident. Seasonal movements can still occur at the individual or local level, so a lack of records in one visit does not confirm absence.

Habitat: Natural landforms and vegetation

The species needs secure high nest sites and enough prey within the surrounding landscape. It uses both natural and highly modified environments, including cliffs, open woodland near water and city structures.

Search cliff faces, gorges, escarpments, breakaways and rocky outcrops, especially where ledges or recesses overlook open country. Riverine Red Gum woodland, coastal vegetation and open woodland near water are recorded breeding habitats in South Australia.

Banded iron formation ranges and other isolated rocky ranges can provide nesting, roosting and perching sites within otherwise flat woodland.

  • Coastal and inland cliffs.
  • Gorges, gorge rims and riverine cliffs.
  • Rocky outcrops, breakaways and overhangs.
  • Open woodland near water, particularly where birds and other prey are abundant.

Habitat: Urban and modified habitat

Tall buildings, bridges, towers and other structures can act as artificial cliffs. City parks and surrounding suburbs may provide abundant pigeons, starlings and other prey.

Do not assume a developed site has low habitat value. A ledge, roof, water tower or bridge may be used for nesting, roosting, prey handling or territorial observation.

  • High rise ledges and roofs.
  • Water towers and industrial structures.
  • Bridges, quarries and constructed rock faces.
  • Large trees with hollows or abandoned nests near open feeding areas.

Habitat: Site assessment

Inspect the proposed disturbance area and nearby high points for birds, whitewash, feathers, pellets, prey remains and repeated flight activity. Map suitable features and record their condition, height, orientation and signs of use.

Where a suitable feature is present, assess the wider setting as well as the feature itself. A nest or roost may depend on nearby open airspace, prey habitat and unobstructed approach routes.

  • Use binoculars to inspect ledges and cliff recesses from a safe distance.
  • Check both natural and artificial structures.
  • Record GPS locations, photographs and evidence of current or historic use.
  • Avoid climbing to a nest or roost during the initial inspection.

Foraging habitat: Prey and hunting areas

Peregrine Falcons usually hunt in open airspace and take prey on the wing. They may forage over woodland, watercourses, farmland, wetlands, coastlines, city parks and other areas where birds gather.

The diet is mainly small and medium sized birds, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, songbirds, parrots, seabirds and waders. Rabbits and other daytime active mammals are taken occasionally.

The bird often soars to locate prey, then approaches and strikes during a steep dive. Pairs may hunt cooperatively, with one bird disturbing a flock while the other attacks.

  • City parks and urban areas with feral pigeons or starlings.
  • Wetlands, estuaries and coastal areas with waterbirds.
  • Woodland edges, flowering woodland and open forest with parrots and other flocking birds.
  • Open farmland, grassland and cleared areas used by birds and rabbits.

Foraging habitat: Features to retain

Foraging habitat can extend well beyond the nest or roost. Works that remove prey concentrations, block flight paths or create collision hazards may affect a pair even when the nest site is outside the disturbance area.

Retain suitable prey habitat where practicable, particularly around known nest cliffs, urban nest sites, wetlands and woodland near water.

  • Open flight corridors around cliffs and high structures.
  • Perches such as prominent trees, ledges and towers.
  • Water sources and productive woodland or wetland edges.
  • Roosts and prey handling sites identified by feathers, pellets or whitewash.

Foraging habitat: Field observations

Record the direction and height of hunting flights, the location of prey concentrations and any repeated use of perches. A single high flying bird is not enough to define a nest site, but repeated activity can indicate a nearby territory.

Do not use prey remains alone to estimate the number of birds. Peregrines may carry prey from outside the immediate work area.

  • Note the species and approximate size of prey where identification is possible.
  • Record cooperative hunting, courtship flights and territorial attacks.
  • Check ledges and trees used for plucking or caching prey.
  • Include nearby urban parks, wetlands and open woodland in the site context assessment.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Peregrines do not build a conventional nest. They lay their eggs in a scrape on a cliff ledge, in a tree hollow, in a large abandoned bird nest or on a suitable artificial ledge.

Preferred sites are high cliff edges, ledges and recesses with a clear view of surrounding country. Natural sites include coastal and inland cliffs, gorges, riverine cliffs, caves and rocky overhangs.

Artificial sites may include high rise ledges, bridges, water towers and other tall structures. A pair may return to the same nest location for many years.

  • Cliff recesses and ledges.
  • Tree hollows and large abandoned stick nests.
  • Quarry faces, breakaways and constructed cliffs.
  • High building ledges, bridge ledges and tower structures.

Breeding habitat: Breeding timing and behaviour

Breeding generally occurs from August to November, with August to December used as the peak breeding period in Western Australian guidance. The female usually incubates while the male supplies food, and both adults feed the young after hatching.

Clutches usually contain two to three eggs, with up to four recorded. Incubation is about 29 to 33 days, and young remain in the nest for about 35 to 39 days before fledging.

Peak breeding period: August to December

Clutch: Usually two to three eggs, occasionally four

Nestling period: About 35 to 39 days

  • Pairs are territorial and may defend the nest aggressively.
  • Adults may alarm call, stoop at intruders or repeatedly circle a nest site.
  • Fledged young remain dependent on the adults for several months while learning to hunt.
  • Breeding activity can extend beyond the visible nest, with adults using nearby trees, ledges and open airspace.

Breeding habitat: Construction and clearing checks

Before works, inspect all suitable cliffs, large hollows, abandoned large bird nests, modified ledges and high structures. Check for adults, young, eggs, fresh whitewash, feathers, prey remains and repeated defensive behaviour.

Use a qualified ecologist for close assessment of a suspected nest. Do not approach, occupy or modify a nest ledge to confirm use. If a breeding site is confirmed, stop or redesign the activity until the site has been assessed and cleared under the relevant approval conditions.

  • Map the nest or likely breeding feature accurately.
  • Assess noise, vibration, lighting, access and line of sight from the work area.
  • Keep plant, vehicles, workers and observers away from the feature unless access is approved and supervised.
  • Recheck a site immediately before disturbance if breeding use is possible.

Sheltering habitat: Roost and refuge features

Peregrines use secure ledges, cliffs, trees and tall structures for roosting, resting, prey handling and shelter. Roosts may be separate from the nest but can be within the same territory.

Rocky outcrops, cliff ledges, caves, prominent trees and high building ledges can provide sheltered perches. Birds may carry prey to a roost or nest to pluck and eat it.

The species may use modified hollows, large abandoned bird nests and artificial ledges as habitat features. These features should be recorded during pre clearing inspections.

  • Cliff ledges, recesses and caves.
  • Prominent trees on cliff tops or along gorge rims.
  • High building, bridge, tower and water tower ledges.
  • Modified hollow ledges and large abandoned bird nests.

Sheltering habitat: Signs of use

Regular roosts often have accumulated whitewash, feathers, pellets and prey remains. Fresh signs, repeated calls and a bird returning to the same perch suggest current use.

Pellet size can vary, particularly where nestlings are present, so identify signs using the full combination of location, remains and bird observations.

  • Whitewash on rock, ledges, roof surfaces or branches.
  • Accumulated feathers and plucked wings.
  • Pellets below a perch or nest ledge.
  • Prey remains or cached food in caves, branches or on ledges.

Sheltering habitat: Protection during works

Avoid removing or blocking known roosts, nest ledges and approach routes. Plan lighting, cranes, scaffolding and high noise activities so they do not directly illuminate, obstruct or repeatedly disturb a used feature.

In Western Australia, pre clearance guidance uses a nominal 30 m buffer around potential or confirmed habitat features and requires wider controls around confirmed breeding sites. Apply the approved project conditions and obtain jurisdiction specific advice before works.

  • Mark habitat features clearly on clearing plans and in the field.
  • Use exclusion fencing or signage where it can protect the feature without forcing birds into a hazard.
  • Monitor features where use is uncertain or disturbance cannot be avoided.
  • If a feature must be removed, involve a qualified fauna specialist and follow the relevant approval and management plan.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The main site risks are disturbance or loss of nest and roost features, collision with infrastructure and disruption of access to prey and open flight space. Risk is highest around active nests and during the breeding period.

Removing cliffs, rocky outcrops, hollow trees, large abandoned nests, prominent perches or high artificial ledges can remove breeding or roosting habitat. Clearing may also reduce prey habitat around a territory.

Avoid these features first. Where avoidance is not possible, have the feature assessed and managed by a qualified fauna specialist under the relevant approval.

  • Do not clear a confirmed nest or roost feature without approval.
  • Retain suitable nest trees, cliffs, ledges and nearby perches where practicable.
  • Map potential and confirmed habitat features before plant enters the site.
  • Inspect surrounding habitat, not only the footprint.

Threats: Disturbance during breeding

Noise, vibration, blasting, drilling, lighting, traffic and repeated access near a nest can cause adults to avoid the site or reduce food delivery. Young may be exposed on ledges if adults are displaced.

Breeding sites should be checked during the August to December peak period, with additional checks where active use is suspected. Defer high disturbance works near a confirmed breeding site until it is no longer occupied, unless an approved plan allows otherwise.

  • Keep workers, vehicles, cranes and observers away from nest approaches.
  • Avoid sudden lighting of cliffs, ledges and towers at night.
  • Use staged works and monitoring where disturbance cannot be avoided.
  • Stop work if adults show repeated alarm, defensive attacks or prolonged absence from a nest.

Threats: Collision and entanglement hazards

Fast flying Peregrines can collide with windows, buildings, powerlines, fences, vehicles and wind turbines. Collision risk can increase where infrastructure crosses regular flight paths or is close to a nest or roost.

Design out hazards where possible and make wires, guy lines, glass and other obstacles more visible. Keep access tracks and work areas clear of loose netting, wire and other entanglement hazards.

  • Use bird safe glazing or external visual markers on large windows.
  • Mark overhead wires and guy lines where collision risk is identified.
  • Manage vehicle speeds near known flight and feeding areas.
  • Remove unused fencing, netting and wire from the work area.

Threats: Legal and conservation status

The Peregrine Falcon is least concern nationally and is not listed as threatened nationally, although it is listed as Rare in South Australia. It is nevertheless profiled as an EVNT species for environmental assessment.

South Australia and Tasmania list the species as Rare, which is treated as a near threatened equivalent in those states. Western Australia assigns Priority 4, a non statutory category for rare and near threatened species that need monitoring. In Queensland, near threatened animals are protected wildlife, and tampering with a breeding place requires a species management program. Western Australia also treats the species as specially protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

  • Check the legislation, approval conditions and local species guidance before clearing or construction.
  • Treat a suspected nest, roost or breeding place as a protected environmental feature until assessed.
  • Use state specific buffers, timing controls, monitoring and reporting requirements.
  • Escalate injured birds, active nests and unexpected breeding activity to the project ecologist and relevant authority.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for Peregrine Falcons should focus on high cliffs, breakaways, gorges, tall buildings, bridges, large trees and abandoned stick nests. The species is resident in Australia, although young birds disperse widely, so surveys should consider both breeding sites and non-breeding use.

Review recent records, aerial imagery, vegetation mapping, cliff and gorge mapping, building plans and proposed clearing areas before field work.

Map potential nest, roost, refuge and lookout features. Include cliff recesses, ledges, caves, breakaways, large hollows, modified hollow ledges, large abandoned bird nests and tall structures.

Check whether the project occurs in an area with a state listing or approval requirement. The Peregrine Falcon is profiled as an EVNT species, but is not listed nationally or in Australia as endangered, vulnerable or near threatened. South Australian and Tasmanian Rare listings, and the Western Australian Priority 4 category, should be treated as state conservation triggers where applicable.

Breeding period: August to December, with some Queensland information describing nesting from August to November.

Residency: Adults are largely resident. Young birds may disperse widely.

  • Confirm the relevant state or territory records database has been searched.
  • Identify nearby pigeon, parrot, waterfowl and other bird concentrations that may indicate foraging habitat.
  • Include urban towers, bridges and other artificial cliffs in the assessment.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection survey

Search from positions that provide clear views of cliffs, ledges, tree hollows, abandoned nests and the airspace above the site. Avoid approaching a possible eyrie closely during the breeding season.

Use quiet observation and scan the sky, cliff face, cliff top, tall trees and nearby buildings. Peregrines are often seen flying high above the canopy or soaring above urban areas.

Listen for the repeated, shrill hek-ek-ek call, especially when adults are displaying, defending a nest or communicating near a breeding site. Do not rely on call playback near a suspected nest.

Observed prey detection distance: Peregrines can detect pigeon-sized prey from several kilometres away, so broad airspace observations are useful.

Recorded breeding habitat: Cliffs, gorges, tree hollows, abandoned nests, high-rise ledges, bridges and artificial nest boxes.

  • Survey in daylight, when the species is active and flying birds can be detected.
  • Use binoculars or a spotting scope from a safe distance.
  • Inspect suitable features visually where this can be done without climbing, entering restricted areas or disturbing birds.
  • Search for whitewash, feathers, prey remains, pellets, plucking sites and repeated use of a perch or ledge.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and survey effort

Schedule at least some targeted observations from August to December, when territorial behaviour, incubation, nestling activity and fledging are most likely to reveal a breeding place.

Use repeated observations when a suitable feature is present but no bird is detected. A single quiet visit should not be treated as proof that an apparently suitable cliff or structure is unused.

Increase observation time where access is difficult, the feature cannot be viewed fully, the site is heavily wooded, or birds are seen carrying prey towards a concealed location.

  • Complete habitat assessment across the entire proposed disturbance area at any time of year.
  • Undertake targeted breeding checks during the peak breeding period before clearing, demolition, blasting, rock breaking or work near a tall structure.
  • Recheck a feature if adults show territorial behaviour, repeatedly approach a ledge, carry prey, call from a fixed location or defend an area.
  • Coordinate surveys with other cliff, hollow and large nest assessments to reduce repeated site disturbance.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey records and mapping

Record enough information for the construction team to avoid the feature and for the approval authority to understand the risk. Map both confirmed features and areas where use remains possible.

Record the bird's location, flight direction, behaviour, number of adults and juveniles, feature type, evidence of use and distance from the proposed works.

  • Take photographs from a safe viewing point, without exposing the nest or encouraging closer approach.
  • Record GPS coordinates using the project coordinate system. Western Australian guidance specifies GDA 1994 for habitat feature records.
  • Map nest, roost, perch, foraging and refuge features separately where possible.
  • Record survey date, start and finish time, weather, visibility, observer names, access limitations and areas not searched.
  • Retain negative results with the same detail as positive records.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals, permits and referrals

Plan the work around avoidance first. Peregrine Falcons use the same cliffs, trees or buildings for many years, and disturbance at an occupied breeding place can cause abandonment or loss of young.

Have the project ecologist review the current Commonwealth and state requirements before any clearing or construction begins. Do not assume that a least concern status removes approval obligations.

Consider an EPBC Act referral if the action may have a significant impact on a listed threatened species or another protected matter. Confirm the outcome with the Australian Government regulator where the project has a plausible impact pathway.

In Queensland, treat a Peregrine Falcon listed as near threatened under the applicable Queensland framework as protected wildlife. Tampering with an active breeding place requires a species management program, or SMP, where the legislation requires one.

  • Obtain any required Queensland SMP before disturbing or tampering with a breeding place.
  • Check South Australian requirements for the Rare listing under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
  • Check Tasmanian requirements for the Rare listing under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.
  • In Western Australia, account for the species being Specially Protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Priority 4 is a DBCA conservation category, not a statutory threatened category, but it still warrants avoidance and monitoring.
  • Obtain all project, land manager and local permits before access, climbing, demolition or clearing near a feature.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing plan

Retain the nest site, supporting vegetation, cliff face, ledges, lookout trees and nearby roosts wherever practicable. Keep the work footprint, access tracks, laydown areas and lighting away from the feature.

Schedule high-noise or high-vibration work outside August to December where a breeding site could be affected. If work must occur during this period, obtain site-specific ecological advice and confirm that the place is not occupied before proceeding.

Treat a nest with eggs or dependent young as an active breeding place. Stop planning around assumptions and obtain the required approval or management direction.

Home range: Published Australian estimates include approximately 20 to 30 square kilometres in one South Australian region, about 100 square kilometres for pairs in south-east Queensland, and much larger ranges in some Queensland locations.

  • Use existing roads and previously disturbed areas for access.
  • Avoid removing a large abandoned nest, hollow tree or artificial ledge until its use has been assessed.
  • Protect the flight path and approach space around a nest from cranes, scaffolds, wires and temporary structures.
  • Retain nearby perches and trees used by adults to carry, transfer or cache prey.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance confirmation

Complete a pre-clearance inspection shortly before disturbance. Inspect all potential breeding, roosting and refuge features and their immediate surrounds.

Use a suitably experienced ecologist to determine whether the site is occupied. Watch for adults, juveniles, territorial behaviour, prey deliveries, whitewash, feathers, pellets, prey remains and repeated use of a ledge or perch.

Where a feature cannot be safely inspected, treat it as potentially occupied until an approved ecologist has assessed it using a safe observation method.

  • Survey the whole disturbance area, including temporary work areas and access routes.
  • Check cliffs, breakaways, overhangs, caves, tree hollows, large abandoned nests, modified hollow ledges and tall structures.
  • Mark potential features on plans before machinery arrives.
  • Reinspect if work is delayed, the season changes, or new bird activity is observed.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Exclusion, buffers and induction

Set a site-specific exclusion zone around every active or potentially active breeding place. The distance should reflect the feature, terrain, line of sight, noise, vibration, access route and approval conditions.

Western Australian pre-clearance guidance uses a nominal 30 m buffer around potential or confirmed habitat features. It also calls for disturbance within 250 m of a confirmed breeding site to be deferred until the site is confirmed unoccupied. Apply these distances where that guidance or an approval requires them, rather than treating them as a universal rule.

Fence, flag and sign the exclusion area before mobilisation. Keep people, vehicles, cranes, lighting and materials outside it.

  • Show the feature and exclusion zone on clearing plans and daily work maps.
  • Brief all supervisors, operators, spotter catcher teams, contractors and visitors before work starts.
  • Include identification features, calls, nest evidence, stop-work authority, reporting contacts and the approved response to an animal sighting in the induction.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher or ecologist with the authority to stop work when conditions change or a feature is found.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing and stop-work control

Use a staged, low-risk clearing sequence and keep the spotter catcher connected to the supervisor and machine operators. Peregrine Falcons are powerful, territorial raptors, so workers must not approach, catch or move one unless they are authorised and trained to do so.

Clear from the already disturbed edge towards retained habitat, leaving escape routes and allowing fauna to move away from machinery. Remove non-habitat vegetation first and retain potential nest, roost and perch features until they have been checked.

Use a slow, supervised sequence around cliffs, tall trees, large nests, buildings and structures. Do not fell a tree, remove a nest, demolish a ledge or alter a cliff face until the feature has been released by the fauna specialist.

Give the fauna spotter catcher clear authority to stop work immediately if a Peregrine Falcon, active breeding place or unexpected habitat feature is found.

  • Stop machinery and make the area safe.
  • Move workers and equipment back from the feature without approaching the bird.
  • Keep observers quiet and limit the number of people at the site.
  • Contact the project ecologist and site supervisor before resuming work.
  • Record the location and protect the feature with a temporary exclusion zone.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Active breeding place or occupied feature

If eggs, nestlings, dependent fledglings, prey delivery or clear adult defence is observed, treat the location as an active breeding place. Stop the activity that may disturb it and maintain the approved exclusion zone.

Do not touch the nest, eggs, chicks, adults, prey or nest material. Do not use drones, climb to the ledge, enter a cave or inspect a hollow at close range unless specifically authorised and assessed as safe.

The ecologist should contact the relevant regulator, land manager or approval holder and confirm the required management response. In Queensland, obtain or follow the required SMP where tampering with the breeding place is proposed.

  • Leave the breeding place in situ wherever possible.
  • Suspend blasting, rock breaking, demolition, tree felling and high-noise work that could affect the site.
  • Arrange monitoring during the breeding period if the approval or management plan requires it.
  • Resume work only after the ecologist and relevant approval holder confirm the controls.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

Only an authorised, trained fauna handler or wildlife rehabilitator should handle a Peregrine Falcon. Do not attempt to catch an adult raptor with improvised equipment.

If an injured bird is found, stop nearby work, keep people and dogs away, reduce noise and shade the area if this can be done without approaching the bird. Contact the project ecologist, licensed wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife authority for instructions.

Do not offer food or water. Do not release an injured bird, move a fledgling, or return an animal to a nest without advice from the authorised wildlife professional.

  • Record the bird's exact location, condition, visible injuries, time found and likely cause.
  • Photograph the scene from a safe distance if this will not increase disturbance.
  • Use a ventilated transport container only when directed by an authorised handler.
  • Record the receiving carer, transfer time, animal identification and any permit or incident number.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Daily records and communication

Keep a daily fauna log for all observations, stop-work events and habitat features. Make the record available to the supervisor, ecologist and approval holder.

Describe behaviour rather than recording only presence. Prey delivery, repeated calling, territorial attacks, fledgling activity and adults entering a ledge can change the management response.

  • Record date, time, weather, observers, work location and activity underway.
  • Record the number and age class of birds where known, flight direction, behaviour and distance from the works.
  • Update maps and exclusion zones when a feature is confirmed or ruled out.
  • Report any breach of a buffer, unexpected mortality, injury or disturbance to the project manager and relevant approval contact immediately.
  • Keep copies of photographs, GPS points, permits, advice and corrective actions.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Do not close out the fauna risk when the last tree or structure has been removed. Complete a post-clearance check, document the outcome and monitor retained features where construction could continue to affect them.

Inspect the completed work area and the edges of retained habitat with the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist. Check for injured birds, trapped fauna, damaged nests, fallen eggs, severed access routes and unexpected disturbance.

Confirm that all potential and confirmed habitat features shown on the plans were retained, removed under the approved method or recorded as changed.

  • Search beneath active work faces, structures and large trees for injured or dead fauna.
  • Check that exclusion fencing and signs remain in place around retained features.
  • Remove temporary hazards such as loose wire, netting, uncovered pits and unsecured materials.
  • Record the final condition of each feature and photograph any damage.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained breeding, roosting and refuge features where the project approval, SMP or ecological risk assessment requires it. Use the same observation points where possible so changes in activity can be compared.

Report whether Peregrine Falcons continued to use the site, whether young fledged, and whether construction altered access to perches, prey areas or flight paths.

  • Complete follow-up observations during August to December when a breeding site is nearby or disturbance occurred during the breeding period.
  • Continue monitoring for the period specified by the approval or management plan.
  • Report confirmed breeding, abandonment, mortality, injury and buffer breaches to the relevant authority within the required timeframe.
  • Update the project habitat map and the site environmental management plan after each monitoring round.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated or rescued animals

Track every animal that was handled, rescued or transferred. Peregrine Falcons should not be relocated casually because adults are territorial and young birds may depend on their parents.

Allow an authorised wildlife professional to decide whether a bird should be returned, released, rehabilitated or transferred. Release should occur only at a suitable location and under the relevant authority's direction.

  • Record the animal's identification, sex or age class where known, origin, condition and destination.
  • Record the name of the authorised handler or rehabilitator and the authority under which the action occurred.
  • Do not release a fledgling away from its parents without expert advice.
  • Inspect the original location for dependent young or a mate before closing the incident.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review and corrective action

Review every unexpected interaction, including a nest discovery, buffer breach, injured bird, mortality, failed relocation or disturbance event. Use the review to improve the work method rather than treating the event as an isolated occurrence.

The review should be led by the project manager with the ecologist, supervisor and fauna spotter catcher.

  • Identify the trigger, missed control, communication failure or change in site conditions.
  • Check whether survey timing, access, observer position or exclusion distances need to change.
  • Retrain the crew before work resumes if the incident involved a field control failure.
  • Record corrective actions, responsible people and completion dates.
  • Update the risk assessment and approval conditions register.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore habitat structure

Rehabilitation should retain the features that make the site useful to Peregrine Falcons, including secure high nest sites, lookout perches, open flight space and productive bird habitat. Artificial structures can help where a suitable site has been assessed, but they should not replace avoidance of an occupied natural breeding place.

Retain or recreate cliffs, rocky outcrops, breakaways, gorges, large trees and elevated perches where they occur in the landscape. Protect stable ledges and cliff faces from erosion, vibration and unnecessary lighting.

Revegetate with locally appropriate woodland or riparian species around retained habitat, while keeping the open flight space and clear approach to a nest or lookout feature.

Link restored areas with nearby water, woodland, coastal habitat or other open foraging areas where practicable.

  • Use local provenance plants suited to the site.
  • Retain mature trees with hollows and large abandoned nests unless they present a safety risk.
  • Keep access tracks, fencing and new structures away from established flight routes and perches.
  • Control erosion and sediment movement near cliffs, gorges, waterways and riparian woodland.
  • Do not create dense vegetation that blocks an established ledge or approach route.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Artificial breeding and roost structures

Consider an artificial nest box, gravelled scrape, ledge or other artificial nest site only where a suitably experienced raptor ecologist confirms that it suits the local pair and site. Peregrines have used high-rise ledges, bridges, water towers and nest boxes, as well as natural cliffs, tree hollows and abandoned nests.

Place any structure high above ground with a secure approach, stable substrate, drainage and protection from people and predators. Design and installation should be site specific and approved by the land manager and relevant authorities.

Do not install a structure as a reason to remove an occupied natural nest. A replacement site may not be accepted by the resident pair.

Documented nest box example: One Orange nest box was installed 35 m above ground inside an active water tower.

  • Use a hard, stable surface with suitable gravel or scrape material where recommended by the raptor ecologist.
  • Position the structure away from regular public access and construction lighting.
  • Check the structure for stability, drainage, debris and signs of use before each breeding season.
  • Use cameras only where they can be installed and operated without disturbing the birds.
  • Do not use bat boxes, generic bird boxes or low roost structures as substitutes for Peregrine Falcon habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Prey habitat, weeds and water

Maintain a healthy mix of woodland, riparian and open areas that supports small and medium-sized birds and other natural prey. Avoid creating artificial concentrations of prey that increase collision or disease risk.

Control weeds without disturbing nest ledges, cliff bases, hollow trees or established perches. Use weed treatment methods that protect waterways and prey species.

Retain or restore natural water sources and riparian vegetation where they form part of the local habitat.

  • Stage weed control outside the active breeding period near an occupied site where practicable.
  • Prevent spread of weeds through machinery washdown and clean-down procedures.
  • Use locally appropriate revegetation rather than dense planting beneath a nest approach.
  • Keep chemicals, waste and food scraps away from nest, roost and foraging areas.
  • Do not deliberately feed or attract pigeons, parrots or other prey.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting, structures and long-term monitoring

Design new infrastructure to reduce collision and disturbance risk. Peregrines hunt at high speed and may use buildings, bridges and towers, so wires, glazing, cranes and lighting should be assessed from the bird's flight perspective.

Monitor restored and artificial features for use, safety and unintended effects. A feature that is not used immediately should not be removed without ecological review, as young birds may disperse and later return to the area.

  • Use shielded, downward-facing lights and switch off unnecessary night lighting near nest and roost sites.
  • Avoid placing new overhead wires, guy wires, fences or transparent barriers across known flight paths.
  • Apply bird-safe glazing treatments where collision risk has been identified.
  • Inspect artificial structures, retained cliffs and nest trees after storms, fires, vibration or construction changes.
  • Monitor during and outside August to December where the project has affected a known territory.
  • Keep a long-term record of occupancy, breeding attempts, fledging success, disturbance and maintenance actions.

Sources