Peregrine Falcon Falco Peregrinus in Brazil: Natural History Through the Lens of Citizen Science

Abstract

Brazil is a relevant wintering area for Falco peregrinus, particularly the subspecies F. p. tundrius and F. p anatum. Using data from WikiAves, we analyzed and discussed aspects of the species natural history, such as their migratory behavior, geographical distribution, diet, and ecological interactions. Peregrine falcons can be seen in the country from October until April. Our data suggests that adults can arrive up to a month earlier than juveniles. Individuals have been recorded in all 26 states and there is no significant difference in the geographical distribution due their subspecies or age, but there is an apparent lack of records on Central region of the country. Our results shows that in Brazil peregrines prey mainly on Columbiformes and Charadriiformes. Some individuals share the same perch and engage on agonistic interactions with other bird species, usually mopping or kleptoparasitism.