Banding of Peregrine Falcon Chicks in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Of 212 Peregrine Falcon chicks banded in Victoria during eleven years, 1960-62 and 1972-79, sixty-nine per cent were from eyries on cliffs, the rest from eyries in trees. The distribution of chicks banded at the different types of eyrie is shown in relation to the study areas of the Land Conservation Council of Victoria. Fifty-five per cent of the chicks banded were from only fifteen of sixty eyries where chicks were banded. By March 1980, twelve bands had been recovered, all in Victoria. Most bands were from birds less than one year old. Identifiable causes of death or injury were shooting and being struck by vehicles; one banded Peregrine was seen to hit a wire during a stoop.