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The books are listed in order of publication date with the most recent at the top.

The Raptor Page

Falcons

Genus: Falco

In the UK

Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus

Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus

Merlin
Falco columbarius

Eurasian Hobby
Falco subbuteo

Worldwide

In addition to the four species listed above:

Malagasy Kestrel
Falco newtoni

Seychelles Kestrel
Falco araea

Mauritius Kestrel
Falco punctatus

Spotted Kestrel
Falco moluccensis

Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides

Greater Kestrel
Falco rupicoloides

Fox Kestrel
Falco alopex

Lesser Kestrel
Falco naumanni

Grey Kestrel
Falco ardosiaceus

Dickinson's Kestrel
Falco dickinsoni

Banded Kestrel
Falco zoniventris

Red-necked Falcon
Falco chicquera

Red-footed Falcon
Falco vespertinus

Amur Falcon
Falco amurensis

Eleonora's Falcon
Falco eleonorae

Sooty Falcon
Falco concolor

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

Aplomado Falcon
Falco femoralis

Bat Falcon
Falco rufigularis

Orange-breasted Falcon
Falco deiroleucus

African Hobby
Falco cuvierii

Oriental Hobby
Falco severus

Australian Hobby (Little Falcon)
Falco longipennis

New Zealand Falcon
Falco novaeseelandiae

Brown Falcon
Falco berigora

Grey Falcon
Falco hypoleucos

Black Falcon
Falco subniger

Lanner Falcon
Falco biarmicus

Laggar Falcon
Falco jugger

Saker Falcon
Falco cherrug

Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus

Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus

Taita Falcon
Falco fasciinucha

(subspecies are not listed)

Behavioural Ecology of Western Palearctic Falcons

Giovanni Leonardi

2017

Comprises six chapters: 1 falcons of the western palearctic ecozone; 2 exploitation of resources; 3 fighting and assessment; 4 sexual selection and reproductive strategies; 5 living in groups; and 6 dispersal and migration

The Peregrine Returns: The Art and Architecture of an Urban Raptor Recovery

Mary Hennen

University Of Chicago Press

2017

"In The Peregrine Returns, Mary Hennen gives wings to this extraordinary conservation success story. Drawing on the beautiful watercolours of Field Museum artist-in-residence Peggy Macnamara and photos by Field Museum research assistant Stephanie Ware, as well as her own decades of work with peregrines, Hennen uses a program in Chicago as a case study for the peregrines' journey from their devastating decline to the discovery of its cause (a thinning of eggshells caused by a by-product of DDT), through to recovery, revealing how the urban landscape has played an essential role in enabling falcons to return to the wild – and how people are now learning to live in close proximity to these captivating raptors. Both a model for conservation programs across the country and an eye-opening look at the many creatures with which we share our homes, this richly illustrated story is an inspiring example of how urban architecture can serve not only our cities' human inhabitants, but also their wild ones."

Falcons

Richard Sale

Collins

2016

"In a much-anticipated volume on one of Britain’s most fascinating group of birds, Richard Sale draws on a wealth of experience and research, providing a comprehensive natural history of the four British breeding falcons. The book takes each of the four breeding species in turn (Kestrel, Merlin, Hobby and Peregrine Falcon), exploring its form, habitat, breeding biology and status, along with a chapter on the hunting techniques of each species."

The Eurasian Hobby: Biology Of An Aerial Hunter

Klaus Dietrich Fiuczynski

2016

An English translation of a monograph that was most recently published in German in 2011 (Der Baumfalke, 5th edition, VerlagsKG Wolf). The monograph has been updated and revised for the translation. The study is based on long term research of Hobbies in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Falcons in the City: The Story of a Peregrine Family

Chris G. Earley

Firefly Books

2016

"A charming story about a nest of wild birds that alarm, then charm, their city landlords. What happens when a peregrine falcon chooses to lay its eggs on a balcony high atop a tower block? Here is the story of a family of wild birds that moves into a cramped urban home and decides to settle in among towers filled with people and noise. The birds' new human neighbours are quick to try and evict, but it turns out that the falcons have rights too and the law is on their side. This amusing true-life story looks at the issues related to urban wildlife and how urban dwellers co-exist with an ever-increasing wildlife population that finds ingenious - and sometimes devious - ways to move into our homes and cities, often without notice. Illustrated with photographs documenting the early life of a peregrine falcon family that grows from eggs to full-fledged birds in the flowerbox of a curious apartment-dweller, this book also explores the natural history of this majestic bird species."

The Lanner Falcon

Giovanni Leonardi

2015

"This book provides a worldwide review of the ecology, behavior, morphology and breeding biology of the Lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus). From historical sources to the most recent ornithological literature, a comprehensive approach reveals the uniqueness and adaptability of this falcon from Afrotropic to Palearctic ecozones."

The Peregrines of Norwich Cathedral

Robin Chittenden

2015

"The Peregrines of Norwich Cathedral has breath-taking photography from one man’s love for these incredible birds of prey. Robin Chittenden has been photographing birds ever since he was given a camera as a child. From the first sighting of an adult bird perched on the cathedral in 2009, Robin has followed the Peregrines at one of Norfolk’s most iconic buildings."

The Story of the Norwich Peregrines

Andy Thompson

2015

"In a major update to his first book The Peregrines of Norwich Cathedral - Their Year in Pictures published in 2012 photographer and author Andy Thompson presents a superb selection of images taken from ground-level during the breeding seasons 2012-14. Augmented by stills images courtesy of the Hawk and Owl Trust webcam and Andy's insightful Peregrines back story this is a beautifully presented pictorial record of the newest cathedral residents that have captured the imagination of millions of internet viewers from around the world."

The Merlin

Richard Sale

2015

"The Merlin is a fascinating small falcon, standing outside the usual grouping of the ‘True Falcons’, and with a range that is confined to northern climes, an exclusive preference that is shared by only one other, the much larger Gyrfalcon.

This is the first comprehensive book on the species, covering its complete circumpolar range. The book starts with a general comments on the evolution of the True Falcons and thoughts on their grouping, then covers the general characteristics of the Merlin, the species’ habitat, its diet, breeding (territory, displays, pair formation, nest sites, eggs, chick growth, nest predation and breeding success), migration and wintering, survival, the Merlin’s friend and foes, and estimations of the world population. It also includes data gathered with a unit flown on a male Merlin."

Peregrine Falcon

Patrick Stirling-Aird

2015

Originally published by New Holland in 2012.

"Reaching speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, the Peregrine Falcon is famous as the world's fastest bird. However, its penchant for choosing inaccessible places to breed, feed and roost mean that few people are well acquainted with its habits and behaviour. Peregrine Falcon offers a window into that rarely seen world, thanks to a combination of high quality images and beautifully written text, with chapters on subjects such as hunting, raising young and how populations around the world have rallied against the threat of extinction and are now prospering once again. The birds are further brought to life through a series of personal anecdotes from the author and photographers, which are woven into the text."

American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator

Kate Davis

Mountain Press Publishing Company

2014

"In American Kestrel: Pint-sized Predator, part natural history, part photographic exploration, renowned bird expert and master educator Kate Davis delves into the world of the American Kestrel, inviting you into the safe confines of its cavity nest and favored habitats. You'll learn about the American Kestrel's hunting tactics and prey, breeding strategies, migration paths and patterns, and the kestrel's current status their numbers are declining, and nobody's quite sure why. Davis enthusiastically imparts the wisdom she has gained through extensive research and firsthand experience. One hundred astonishing photos shot by Davis and award-winning photographer Rob Palmer illustrate in full-color glory the story Davis deftly weaves."

The Kestrel in the Crane

Rod Alder

2014

"It is the spring of 1953 and artist and naturalist James Alder is spending a lot of time in the unlikely setting of Walker Naval Yard on the Tyne - a pair of kestrels has stolen a wire nest from rooks on the towering jib of a giant crane and they are raising a family. Over several weeks James photographs and records the kestrels' progress and his account soon appears in Newcastle Evening Chronicle. His subsequent rescue of a fledgling that has the misfortune to fall into a bucket of oil leads him to a close understanding of the young bird, which he later successfully returns to the wild. When James Alder died in 2007, his son Rod Alder discovered among his father's papers the unfinished dramatic account of the young kestrel's adventures. Rod completed the story and illustrated it with his own, and his father's, fine drawings and paintings. The Kestrel in the Crane is the result. A vivid, unforgettable and unsentimental tale of the teeming wildlife that flourished on the banks of the industrial Tyne in the early 1950s, and still flourishes there today."

Urban Peregrines

Ed Drewitt

2014

"This beautifully illustrated book is the first in-depth focus on the lives of Peregrines in towns and cities. In words and stunning photographs, Ed Drewitt reveals the latest information on Peregrine behaviour including how they are adapting to, and taking advantage of, the urban environment. The book is also a how-to-guide, with information on finding peregrines, studying their diet, ringing individuals for research, putting up nest boxes and enabling people to learn more about them through public viewing points or web cameras. Ed also discusses what makes a Peregrine urban, their contemporary relationship with people, and helps dispel some myths and reveal some truths about this agile predator."

Peregrine Falcons of the World

Clayton M. White, Tom J. Cade, James H. Enderson

Lynx Edicions

2012

"Peregrine Falcons of the World brings together the lifetime experiences of the authors with this splendid falcon in the field and in museums, hundreds of personal accounts by Peregrine observers worldwide, a vast literature on this falcon which is surely among the best-studied birds, scores of superb photographic images so generously supplied, and the matchless art of Andrew Ellis. The goal is to provide a feel for how Peregrines have responded to their varied world, and to earmark the many gaps in what we know. Oddly, Peregrines have not colonized many places, where by any reckoning, they should be. In recent times, roughly twenty subspecies of Peregrines were described. The historical reasons for these designations, and our current analyses are provided here. Some populations are very distinct in form and color, but sometimes they geographically overlap and intergrades appear. Each subspecies account also describes distribution, hunting and nesting habitats, migration and wintering ranges, estimated population sizes, and conservation aspects."

Peregrine Falcon

Patrick Stirling-Aird

2012

"Reaching speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, the Peregrine Falcon is famous as the world's fastest bird. However, its penchant for choosing inaccessible places to breed, feed and roost mean that few people are well acquainted with its habits and behaviour. This book offers a window into that rarely seen world, thanks to a combination of high quality images and beautifully written text, with chapters on subjects such as hunting, raising young and how populations around the world have rallied against the threat of extinction and are now prospering once again. The birds are further brought to life through a series of personal anecdotes from the author and photographers, which are woven into the text."

The History and Range Expansion of Peregrine Falcons in the Thule Area, Northwest Greenland

Kurt K. Burnham with William A.Burnham, Ian Newton, Jeff A. Johnson and Andrew G. Gosler

2012

"The History and Range Expansion of Peregrine Falcons in the Thule Area, Northwest Greenland covers the discovery and history of the most northern breeding population of Peregrine Falcons in the world, near Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland (75.9 – 77.6°N). Although the region was explored by scientific expeditions as early as 1818, Peregrines were not documented in the area until the 1930s. By the early 1990s the population had become well established, with a warming climate enabling Peregrines from further south to expand their breeding range northward. Here Burnham and his co-authors present their comprehensive findings on the biology and ecology of this population based on thirteen years of research from 1993 to 2005."

Kestrels for Company

Gordon Riddle

2011

"An appealing book that rightfully raises the profile of the kestrel. It provides an extensive picture of this delightful falcon, including its lifestyle and the factors that affect its breeding success and survival. This is based upon almost 40 years' monitoring of the kestrel in south-west Scotland and further afield by the author and colleagues, giving a flavour of the integrated approach to monitoring and conservation. As well as the wealth of factual data, there are entertaining anecdotes and stories both from the author's experiences and from the wider media coverage of this raptor over the years. The reader is taken to exotic locations such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Cape Verde Islands to see the endemic island kestrels which have always held a great fascination for the author. Latest figures show an alarming decline of 36% in the kestrel population in the UK, with even more dramatic falls such as 64% in Scotland. The fieldwork techniques which play such an important role are detailed in a composite breeding season. The kestrel is not portrayed in isolation and the bird's current circumstance is tied into the bigger picture of raptor conservation and the struggle against sustained persecution. The author reflects upon the political, economic and conservation issues that have dominated this field in the past few decades and through this personal and well-informed account the reader gains access to the world of the kestrel."

Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World, Volume I

Editor: R.T. Watson, T.J. Cade, M. Fuller, G. Hunt, and E. Potapov

2011

The Conference Summary which starts this collection of papers was written by Ian Newton.

"The conference brought together experts from around the world to share information and to develop a common purpose toward (1) understanding local, regional, and global factors affecting population dynamics of Gyr falcons, ptarmigan, and other prey, (2) looking for changing patterns of abundance throughout their circumpolar distributions, and (3) establishing a global strategy and plan of action for research and conservation of the sespecies. Invited speakers included world experts on Gyrfalcons, their prey, competitors, and habitat, as well as on climate change and associated alterations in arctic and alpine biotas, contamination, resource extraction,diseases, and other factors influencing the ecosystems in which these species occur."

Hunting Tactics of Peregrines and Other Falcons

Dick Dekker

2010

"This dissertation describes the foraging habits and capture rates of four species of bird-hunting falcons; Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), Merlin (Falco colum-barius), Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), and Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus). Eight of the nine study areas were situated in western Canada in widely different habitats, and the observation periods intermittently included all seasons over 44 years, 1965-2008. The various chapters report and compare the location-specific hunting methods and choice of prey of these falcons. In addition, the book reports on the population dynamics and nest site competition between Peregrines and Prairie Falcons on a sympatric breeding range in Alberta over a span of 48 years."

How Fast Can a Falcon Dive?: Fascinating Answers to Questions About Birds of Prey

Peter Capainolo and Carol A Butler

2010

"This book explores the world of raptors in a way that will appeal to bird lovers and biology enthusiasts alike. Ornithologist Peter Capainolo and science writer Carol A. Butler define and classify raptors, explore the physical attributes of birds of prey, view how their bodies work, and explain the social and physical behaviors of these species - how they communicate, hunt, reproduce, and more. From stories of red-tailed hawks making their homes on the ledges of Manhattan skyscrapers to their role in protecting California's vineyards from flocks of grape-loving starlings, the authors explore how these predators of the sky have adapted to the human world."

The Peregrine, The Hill of Summer & Diaries

J.A. Baker

2010

"Despite the association of peregrines with the wild, outer reaches of the British Isles, The Peregrine is set on the flat marshes of the Essex coast, where J A Baker spent a long winter looking and writing about the visitors from the uplands – peregrines that spend the winter hunting the huge flocks of pigeons and waders that share the desolate landscape with them. Including original diaries from which The Peregrine was written and its companion volume The Hill of Summer, this is a beautiful compendium of lyrical nature writing at its absolute best. Bestselling author Mark Cocker has provided an introduction on the importance of Baker, his writings and the diaries – creating the essential volume of Baker's writings. Since the hardback was published in 2010, papers, maps, and letters have come to light which in turn provide a little more background into J A Baker's history. Contemporaries – particularly from while he was at school in Chelmsford – have kindly provided insights, remembering a school friend who clearly made an impact on his generation. In the longer term, there is hope of an archive of these papers being established, but in the meantime, and with the arrival of this paperback edition, there is a chance to reveal a little more of what has been learned. Among fragments of letters to Baker was one from a reader who praised a piece that Baker had written in RSPB Birds magazine in 1971. Apart from a paper on peregrines which Baker wrote for the Essex Bird Report, this article – entitled On the Essex Coast – appears to be his only other published piece of writing, and, with the kind agreement of the RSPB, it has been included in this updated new paperback edition of Baker's astounding work."

Peregrine Falcon Populations: Status and Perspectives in the 21st Century

Editor: J Sielicki and T Mizera

2009

"The book is based on papers presented at the 2nd International Peregrine Conference Poland 2007, held from 19-23 September 2007 in Piotrowo near Poznan, Poland. There are papers on Peregrine populations in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Russia (European and Asiatic part), Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, United Kingdom. In addition to European presentations it also includes papers from countries in other continents - United States, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Malaysia, India, Argentina. Furthermore, this book also includes papers on Saker Falcons, comparing the species with the Peregrine and studies from their central European stronghold - Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia."

Hunting Tactics of Peregrines and Other Falcons

Dick Dekker

2009

"This dissertation describes the foraging habits and capture rates of four species of bird-hunting falcons; Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), Merlin (Falco colum-barius), Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), and Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus). Eight of the nine study areas were situated in western Canada in widely different habitats, and the observation periods intermittently included all seasons over 44 years, 1965-2008. The various chapters report and compare the location-specific hunting methods and choice of prey of these falcons. In addition, the book reports on the population dynamics and nest site competition between Peregrines and Prairie Falcons on a sympatric breeding range in Alberta over a span of 48 years."

Falcons of North America

Kate Davis

Mountain Press Publishing Company

2008

"Fast, fierce, bold, and beautiful - a falcon in flight is one of the most thrilling sights in nature. With an unprecedented collection of some of the most extraordinary falcon photographs ever taken, Falcons of North America allows readers to witness these magnificent, enigmatic birds of prey practicing aerial maneuvers, hunting ducks, or attacking pelicans four times their size. Renowned raptor advocate and environmental educator Kate Davis expertly details the lives of the six North American species of true falcons, along with their subspecies. With contagious enthusiasm, she explores everything from anatomy, hunting, courtship, and migration to influences on human cultures, habitat loss, and restoration efforts. With its stunning color photographs and the results of new research never before published in one volume, Falcons of North America is sure to become a staple of any bird lover's library."

The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock: A 40-Year History: 1967-2007

Steve Schubert

2008

"The peregrine falcons of Morro Rock, located along the coast of Central California, have been admired and observed by travelers and visitors from around the world, and is one of the most well-known peregrine falcon nesting sites in North America. This 40-year history chronicles the yearly efforts of nest site attendants and endangered species management techniques - captive breeding, double clutching, captive hatching of thin, fragile wild eggs, and fostering falcon chicks into the wild nests - that has assisted in the recovery of a once imperiled species."

Raptor Species Conservation Frameworks: The Peregrine Conservation Framework Project Progress Report: Phase 1

Liz Humphreys, Chris Wernham and Humphrey Crick

British Trust For Ornithology

2007

From the executive summary:

"The British population of Peregrines (Falco peregrinus) showed a period of recovery following the deleterious effects of organo-chlorine pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s. The most recent national survey in 2002 showed that the population had continued to increase in Britain as a whole but that the Scottish population had decreased by 8% since 1991, with particularly marked declines in some geographical areas of Scotland. Concerns about this continuing and spreading decline in Scotland led the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Group to instigate a detailed analysis of the factors influencing territory occupancy and loss, following the model undertaken as the Golden Eagle Conservation Framework."

Falcon

Helen Macdonald

Reaktion Books

2006

224 pages, 25 colour illustrations , 75 other illustrations

"Falcon surveys the practical and symbolic uses of falcons in human culture in new and exciting ways; bridging science and cultural history, and packed with fascinating facts and many illustrations, the book offers thought-provoking and sophisticated cultural analysis in a lively, approachable style. Helen Macdonald describes the complete history of the bird, ranging across the globe and over many millennia, as well as incorporating the latest scientific discoveries. There are chapters on falcon natural history; myth and legend; falconry; conservation; falcons in the military, in urban settings and the corporate world. Along the way, the reader will discover how falcons were mobilized in secret military projects, their links with espionage, the Third Reich and the space programme, and how they've featured in erotic stories. The book explores their veneration as gods in Ancient Egypt, their role as cultural icons in the Middle East, and their recruitment by the advertising industry to promote all manner of products, from photocopiers to jet planes. Falcon combines in-depth practical, personal and scientific knowledge of falcons with a strong analytical perspective, on the place of these birds in human history."

The Gyrfalcon

Richard Sale and Eugene Potapov

2005

"This book is the first monograph on one of the most beautiful and admired birds in the world. The Gyrfalcon is the world's largest and most powerful falcon - a truly awe-inspiring bird which inhabits the ferociously inhospitable Arctic taiga, from Greenland and Iceland right across Siberia and northern Canada. Its plumage varies from a dark mottled grey to pure white - the white birds in particular are coveted by birders and falconers. Like other titles in the series, it covers all aspects of the species' biology, taxonomy, distribution, status and historical associations with mankind. The result is an exhaustively researched and enthrallingly readable biography of a spectacular bird, illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings."

Peregrine Falcon: Stories of the Blue Meanie

James H. Enderson

2005

"In this personal and highly entertaining memoir, Jim Enderson tells stories of a lifetime spent studying, training, breeding, and simply enjoying peregrine falcons. He recalls how his boyhood interest in raptors grew into an ornithological career in which he became one of the leading experts who helped identity DDT as the cause of the peregrine falcon's sudden and massive decline across the United States. His stories reveal both the dedication that he and fellow researchers brought to the task of studying and restoring the peregrine and the hair-raising adventures that sometimes befell them along the way. Enderson also seamlessly weaves in the biology and natural history of the peregrine, as well as anecdotes about its traditional and widespread use in falconry as an aggressive yet tractable hunter, to offer a broad portrait of this splendid and intriguing falcon."

Merlins of the South-East Yorkshire Dales

Peter M. Wright

2005

"A detailed study, based on 30 years of observations, of the Merlin in the south-east Yorkshire dales. The text includes sections on habitat, hunting and feeding, breeding, dispersal, mortality, predation and future threats."

The American Kestrel: Falcon of Many Names

Roland H. Wauer

Johnson Books

2005

"A close-up look at the American continent's smallest raptor. Adaptive and resourceful, the kestrel often lives in city parks and is frequently seen along highways, so much so that it has been called "America's roadside raptor." Contributing to its popularity is the kestrel's wide distribution-from treeline in northern Alaska to the very tip of South America. The book begins with a complete description of the kestrel, including the fascinating eye spots on the back of the head, a trait unique among falcons. Wauer goes on to discuss the vocalizations of the kestrel-the "killy call," the "whine call," and the "chitter call"-and how the bird uses them to communicate. Using scientific research and easily understood interpretations, Wauer covers many topics, such as the falcon's keen eyesight; its amazing migration patterns; its eating habits; and its hunting styles. At the heart of the book is a complete natural history of Falco sparverius, including courtship routines, nesting, and the raising of young. The mixture of hard science and personal stories makes for compelling reading. The book ends with a discussion of the enemies and threats the American kestrel faces."

On the Wing: To the Edge of the Earth with a Peregrine Falcon

Alan Tennant

2004

"An epic story about birds of prey, the American landscape, and man's dreams of flight."

Return of the Peregrine: A North American Saga of Tenacity and Teamwork

Editors: Tom J. Cade and William Burnham

2003

"The Peregrine Falcon restoration is the largest and most comprehensive endeavor to restore wild populations of an endangered species ever accomplished. The magnitude of the program and level of cooperation achieved are unique in nature conservation. Why and how this effort was achieved is documented in this book and serves as an example of what can be accomplished when people are willing to work cooperatively.

Authored by 69 people with long-term involvement, and most of the individuals key to the success, the story is presented chronologically, topically, and geographically. Tom Cade begins with a prologue on the life history traits of the Peregrine Falcon in relation to recovery as only someone with over fifty years of experience can write. In the following 21 chapters and 57 sidebars the story unfolds in each author's own words.

Although the focus is in North America, including Greenland, the story extends to Europe with two renowned British scientists contributing chapters. Derek Ratcliffe tells his story of discovering DDT as the cause for Peregrine Falcon decline, followed later in the book by Ian Newton documenting the contribution of the restoration program to the understanding of the Peregrine and summarizing what is known about the species."

The Peregrine Falcon Breeding Population of the UK and Isle of Man in 2002

A.N. Banks

BTO, The National Centre for Ornithology

2003

Historical, contemporary and prospective breeding territories of the Peregrine Falcon in the UK and Isle of Man were surveyed during the breeding season of 2002 by volunteer and professional fieldworkers. This 48 page report summarises the findings of the survey.

Gyrfalcon

Emma Ford

Paintings: Anthony Rhodes, Andrew Ellis

John Murray

1999

"The gyr is the largest, fastest and arguably the most beautiful falcon in the world. For centuries man has been driven to acquire live specimens from their Arctic territory for sport and even as currency. This is a study of the species, using drawings, sketches, paintings and photographs. The author examines the gyrfalcon's role in natural history, its place in literature and its long-established use in falconry."

Bolt from the Blue: Wild Peregrines on the Hunt

Dick Dekker

1999

"This book offers the unique accounts of a passionate expert who has seen more than 2,000 hunts by wild peregrines. A perceptive and personal narrative aimed at a wide readership, this book portrays the fabled falcon in a variety of landscapes, migrating over the prairies, caring for its young at the nest or wintering on the coast where it meets its nemesis, the mighty bald eagle. Bolt from the Blue is an exuberant celebration of the peregrine falcon's return from local extirpation."

Wings for My Flight: The Peregrine Falcons of Chimney Rock

Marcy Cottrell Houle

1999

"In the pristine desert of southern Colorado, a wildlife biologist spends a gruelling summer atop Chimney Rock observing a pair of nesting peregrine falcons, a species perilously close to extinction. She hopes her research will shed light on how to help the species 'recover'. The real-life drama that unfolds is rife with conflict, sadness, humour, and profound humility. Wings for My Flight tells the coming of age story of one biologist who, through the help of another species, comes to a greater understanding of her own."

The Hobby

Anthony Chapman

Arlequin Press

1999

The first detailed account of the Hobby in English. It describes the breeding cycle, varied hunting techniques and wide prey spectrum. It also examines the bird's status throughout its Eurasian range.

In Pursuit of the Peregrine

R.B. Treleaven

1998

"Dick Treleaven shares with his readers his unrivalled knowledge and deep insight of the birds' behaviour, their habits and habitats, their hunting techniques and motivation. His account which includes the re-establishment of the peregrine on many parts of the north Cornish coast and in inland quarries provides a vital record, while his illustrations and his observations capture the birds' unique attributes -their incredible vision and perception, their sheer speed and agility -that every one who has watched a peregrine cleaving the sky in pursuit of some distant prey will forever marvel at. Every stroke of Dick Treleaven's superb oil paintings and line drawings which grace the pages of this book and feature in many collections throughout the world, exude his love of these birds and their environment."

The Prairie Falcon

Stanley H. Anderson and John R. Squires

University of Texas Press

1997

"This is the first book for a wide audience devoted exclusively to the Prairie Falcon. Stanley Anderson and John Squires cover all aspects of the falcon's life history from mating and rearing young to hunting behaviors and the yearly migration cycle. They provide complete descriptive characteristics for identifying Prairie Falcons and also compare them to other raptors, especially the closely related Peregrine Falcon. In addition, the authors recount the long association of falcons with people, which may extend back as far as 2000 BC. They describe the practice of falconry from the Middle Ages until today. And they assess the threats to Prairie Falcons posed by human activities, from pesticide use and destruction of habitat to disruption of the breeding cycle by careless birdwatchers."

A Fascination with Falcons: A Biologist's Adventures From Greenland To The Tropics

Bill Burnham

1997

"Written by Bill Burnham, President of The Peregrine Fund. Supported by wonderful colour photos and attractive illustrations, author Bill Burnham combines information and experiences on and with falcons in the Americas."

Stewart: The Skyscraper Falcon

Linda Birman

1997

"In the spring of 1994, a peregrine falcon captured Seattle's heart and imagination when it nested on the fifty-sixth floor of a downtown skyscraper. A video camera allowed visitors the privilege of watching the entire nesting process. Today peregrine falcons are recapturing a large part of their former world range and are invading all the great cities of the world."

The Peregrine Sketchbook

C.F. Tunnicliffe

Afterword: Derek Ratcliffe

Excellent Press

1996

26 colour sketches of Peregrines made by in Anglesey, plus black and white sketches and extracts from Tunnicliffe's journal written whilst sketching the birds in Anglesey in 1948. The book has an introduction by Robert Gillmor and an afterword on the Anglesey Peregrines by Derek Ratcliffe.

Pirate of the Plains: Adventures With The Prairie Falcon In The High Desert

Pirate of the Plains: The Biology Of The Prairie Falcon

Bruce A. Haak

1995

"Haak shares his deep passion for the prairie falcon and its habits in this fascinating story of his journey to understand and record the behaviour of this spirited bird of prey. Haak's rich prose probes intimately into both the life of the birds as well as the unfolding of his own philosophy and experience of life. Beautifully illustrated with 76 full color photos, "Pirates of the Plains" is a splendid addition to the aviary studies."

City Peregrines: A Ten-Year Saga of New York City Falcons

Saul Frank

1994

"This is more than a story of how the world's most spectacular aerial predator invaded and took over New York City. It offers more than an expansion of our understanding of nature's most ubiquitous bird. It is the personal story of how a retired business manager, Saul Frank, hiked, biked, and climbed around New York City pursuing peregrines, often at great risk to himself, but always gaining enjoyment for himself and his wife. It is the story of how our greater understanding of the world's most successful predator came from an amateur bird watcher."

Dorset Peregrine Watch

Edmund Harwood

1994

Falcons of The Rock

Donovan Lavender

1994

"A self-published hand printed book detailing the observations of the Peregrine Falcon at Morro Rock Ecological Reserve and the ecological problems besetting them."

Peregrine

Emma Ford

Photographs: Piers Cavendish

Fourth Estate

1993

"This well-illustrated book is a celebration of the peregrine falcon. It describes its place in history and its cultural significance across the world. It then goes on to describe the peregrine's natural history, with details on its life cycle, its interactions with man, and its future prospects."

Includes specially commissioned photographs by Piers Cavendish and paintings and drawings by Anthony Rhodes.

Peregrine Falcons

C Savage and A Forsyth

1993

"This lavishly illustrated book depicts the peregrine falcon in all its grace and beauty as it plucks its prey from the air, feeds its young, and soars over natural landscapes and urban settings in many parts of the world. The accompanying text describes the peregrine's place in mythology, its persecution and its lifestyle."

Biology and Conservation of Small Falcons

Proceedings of the 1991 Hawk and Owl Trust Conference

Editor: M.K. Nicholls and R. Clarke

1993

Contents:

Breeding Ecology 1

• Long Term Monitoring Of A Kestrel Population In Ayrshire
• Nestboxes As A Monitoring Tool For Kestrel Breeding Performance
• Insects, Small Mammals And Breeding Performance Of Farmland Populations Of The Common Kestrel In Sicily
• Ecological Aspects Of The Lesser Kestrel In Extremadura, Spain
• Lesser Kestrel Recovery Project In Catalonia

• Trends In Breeding Success Of Merlins In Britain From 1937-1989
• The Importance Of The Breeding Population Of The Merlin In North-East Scotland
• Ecology Of Urban Merlins In Saskatoon
• DNA Fingerprinting Of Young Falcons In The Nest
• Breeding Ecology Of The Sooty Falcon In Israel
• Contribution To The Breeding Biology Of Eleonora's Falcon
• Breeding Cycle Of The Seychelles Kestrel
• A Comparison Of The Nesting Habits Of The Red-Footed Falcon In Colonies And Solitary Pairs

• Legal Aspects Of Work With Small Falcons
• Plasma Growth Hormone (GH) Levels In Nestling American Kestrels
• Establishment Of The Medical Database For Raptors
• Diseases And Pathology Of The European Merlin
• Blood Parasitism, Immunity And Reproduction In American Kestrels
• Trichinella Pseudospiralis In American Kestrels : A Model Of Parasite-Induced Behavioral Pathology
• Small Falcons In Health And Disease

• The Hunting Behaviour And Predatory Efficiency Of The Mauritius Kestrel
• Home Range Of Lesser Kestrels During The Breeding Season
• Foraging Of The South African Rock Kestrel
• Diet And Hunting Behaviour Of The European Hobby In Africa
• Digestive Adaptations In Relation To Foraging Ecology And Feeding Behaviour Of Raptors
• Merlin Winter Roosts And Diet In Britain And Northern France

• Breeding African Pygmy Falcons
• Domestic Breeding Of Merlins
• The Problems In Establishing A Domestic, Self-Sustaining International Population Of New Zealand Falcons
• Captive Breeding And Release Of Hobbies In The UK
• Controlled Hacking, A Method Of Research Into The Biology Of Non-Indigenous Raptors : Example Falco Chicquera Chicquera
• Domestic Merlins In The UK

• The Genus Falco On The Upper Quaternary Of The Iberian Peninsula
• A Morphometric Analysis Of Falco Species
• Detection Of A Genetic Basis Of Morphometric Variation In Captive American Kestrels

• Lesser Kestrel Conservation

The Kestrel

Michael Shrubb

Hamlyn

1993

A monograph on the Kestrel. The text includes discussion of feeding, breeding, plumage, nesting and flight.

Falcons

Andrew Village

Whittet Books

1992

A study that covers the habits and lifestyles of the four British species of falcon; peregrine, merlin, kestrel and hobby.

Falcons And Hawks

Penny Olsen

Facts On File

1992

"The Great Creatures of the World series details the lives of some of the most intriguing animals with vivid photographs and fun-to-read text. This spectacular volume offers young readers a fresh and exciting understanding of the world's smaller birds of prey."

Flight Of The Falcon

Michael Tennesen

1992

"Beautifully illustrated and photographed history of this magnificent bird. The author aim to underline the important point that falcons should be recognised for the important role they play as predators in the ecosytem, and tells the story of the falcon's escape from extinction."

Forest Merlins in Scotland

Jack Orchel

Hawk and Owl Trust

1992

"A Report on the Galloway Forests Merlin Project, 1986-89. This study provides information on the basic ecology of the merlin, an historical perspective on merlins in Galloway, plus details and results of the Project."

The Merlin

W.M. Trobe

1991

A 90 page study of the Merlin.

Peregrine Falcons

Roy Dennis

1991

A 48 page monograph on the peregrine falcon in Britain with 26 colour photographs.

Seasons With The Kestrel

Gordon Riddle

1991

This book follows the seasonal changes in the life of the Kestrel based on Riddle's diary notes, field observations and photography. This specific study is enhanced by information on the bird's status throughout Europe.

The Kestrel

Andrew Village

Poyser

1990

This book examines many aspects of the Kestrel's life with emphasis on breeding performance, population densities, and age and sex ratios.

The Kestrel

Gordon Riddle

1990

Ecological Assessment Of Impact Of Road Construction On Merlin Falco Columbarius And Hen Harrier Circus Cyaneus In Perthshire

Bell, D.

British Trust for Ornithology

1990

20 page report.

Peregrine Falcon Populations: Their Management and Recovery

Editors: Tom J. Cade, James H. Enderson, Carl G. Thelander, Clayton M. White

1988

The proceedings of the 1985 Sacramento Conference on Peregrine biology, which assessed the worldwide status of the Peregrine 20 years after the Madison Conference which focused world attention on the decline of this species. The volume covers status of the species in the US, Europe and the rest of the world, results of studies on pesticide effects, ringing and population dynamics, and programmes for the species reintroduction and management.

On Wing and Wild Water: New Encounters In A Last Wild Place

Mike Tomkies

1987

".... Mike Tomkies undertook the most punishing yet most rewarding venture of his twenty years in the wilds. Recalling his years as a journalist in the international film world, he decided to buy his own movie camera and record single-handed the secret lives of three of the rarest and most spectacular birds in Britain. He had already discovered forty eyries of the elusive golden eagle in 300 square miles of trackless mountains surrounding his lochside home.

Even more rare among the protected birds over which he kept watch were the black-throated divers that return each year to raise their young in seclusion on an islet in the loch.

The peregrine falcons were more difficult to observe at close quarters; but no amount of patience and perseverance could compare with the tenacious determination it took to embark on the 'killer trek' to the farthest, most precipitous eagle eyrie with 50 lbs of filming equipment and a cumbersome hide on his back." (from the dust jacket)

Hacking: A Method for Releasing Peregrine Falcons and Other Birds of Prey

Steve K. Sherrod, William R. Heinrich, William A. Burnham, John H. Barclay, and Tom J. Cade

1987

"Written by The Peregrine Fund biologists, this is an excellent guide for anyone working at hack sites or releasing birds of prey to the wild. It is filled with detailed information on the variety of release methods, steps in constructing a hack site, procedures for caring for falcons at the site, and much more."

Working Bibliography of the Peregrine Falcon

Richard D. Porter, M.Alan Jenkins and Andrea L. Gaski

1987

National Wildlife Federation Scientific & Technical Series No. 9, in cooperation with The Peregrine Fund, Inc.

The Ancestral Kestrel: Proceedings of a Symposium on Kestrel Species

Editor: David M. Bird and Reed Bowman

1987

The Peregrines of the Lake District

M.J. Dawson

1985

A survey of the numbers of the peregrine falcon over the last 100 years in the English Lake District and the nearby Pennines, with a list of over 80 eyries.

Falcons of the World

Tom J. Cade

Collins / Cornell / Comstock

1982

"A detailed summary of the 39 species of the genus falco. Includes introductory chapters describing classification, anatomy, behaviour, breeding, and conservation. Individual species accountsThere is then an essay on each of the thirty-nine species of the genus falco, in which details of distribution, status, hunting, habitat, and special behaviour are considered."

Buy Cornell UP edition from amazon.co.uk

The Peregrine Falcon

Derek A. Ratcliffe

Poyser

1980 (2nd edition 1993)

The first edition of The Peregrine Falcon was widely recognized as a classic of its kind, documenting not only the species' biology but the sad story of its decline due to the impact of pesticides. This extensively revised and enlarged second edition takes full account of important new developments in the story of this bird during the years since the first publication.

Contents: The Peregrine and Man; The Peregrine's Country; Population Trends; Distribution and Numbers; Food and Feeding Habits; Nesting Habitat; The Breeding Cycle; Movements and Migration; Breeding Density and Territory; Population Regulation and Dynamics; Ecological Relationships with Other Birds; The Pesticide Story; Other Enemies; Appearance, Form, And Geographical Variation; Conservation.

Merlins of the Welsh Marches

D.A. Orton

1980

"This book describes four years, 1971 to 1974, during which the author spent many hours watching Merlins on the Welsh borders. The books is based on detailed diaries."

Eleonora's Falcon: Adaptations to Prey and Habitat in a Social Raptor

Hartmut Walter

1979

"Named after a Sardinian princess of the fourteenth century who established laws protecting falcons, Eleonora's falcon is the only European bird to breed in autumn and feed its brood on the mass of birds that migrate from Europe to Africa between July and October. It breeds on small Mediterranean islands in colonies of up to 200 pairs and hunts often in groups, preying on more than 90 species of migrant birds. During the winter this falcon visits the rain-soaked woodlands of Madagascar. In this study - illustrated beautifully and extensively with 59 line drawings and 38 photographs - Hartmut Walter shows how the unique geographical and biological situation of "Falco eleonorae" makes the species' health an important indicator of environmental decay. For though it lives in relatively isolated areas, Eleonora's falcon nevertheless may ingest the many pollutants contained in its diet of birds migrating from industrial Europe. Walter, who has studied raptors on several continents and has been an ornithologist since his early youth, examines several discrete colonies of Eleonora's falcon. He concentrates on the species' intraspecific behavior and ecology - such as the falcons' aggressive actions, hunting strategies, and response to fluctuating environmental conditions - and investigates their evolutionary past."

The Peregrine Falcon in Greenland: Observing an Endangered Species

James T. Harris

1979

"An account of research studying Peregrines in West Greenland. Also includes wider ranging sections on the history and biology of the Peregrine and the effects of pesticide contamination on Peregrine populations."

The Private Life of the Peregrine Falcon

R B Treleaven

1977

A study of a breeding pair of Peregrines in Cornwall.

Peregrine Falcon Populations: Their Biology and Decline

Editor: Joseph Hickey

1969

"During the years 1950 to 1965, a population crash of nesting peregrine falcons occurred in parts of Europe and North America on a scale that made it one of the most remarkable events in environmental biology. This book, in part an eyewitness account, presents the papers and discussions of a conference held by the University of Wisconsin from 29 August to 1 September 1965 to crystallize and evaluate some practical hypotheses to account for this extraordinary phenomenon."

The Peregrine

J. A. Baker

1967

"With no prior knowledge of birds, Baker is seized with an unexplained longing to track the peregrine falcons that hunt in the river valley behind his home each winter. Though his subjects are far more elusive than the pigeons and gulls on which they prey, on rare occasions he sees a peregrine roosting or bathing, or spots a fresh kill in the grass. He outlines their strict hunting ethos and as the winter approaches, he resolves to shun the world of men in fierce pursuit of the falcon's inner life. As the landscape thaws, Baker shares the hawk's absolute terror in the face of the stumbling, erratic human beings encroaching on its territory. Veering swiftly from the mundane to the miraculous, Baker's self-effacing diary of a long winter in the wild is a triumph of pure and immediate description."

The Peregrine Falcon At The Eyrie

Francis Heatherley

1913

Opening lines: "Now that the Sea Eagle and the Osprey are extinct, mainly through the depredations of egg - collectors, and the Golden Eagle is only tolerated in parts of Scotland where sportsmen find the bird useful in thinning down the grouse and hares that interfere with deer-stalking, the Peregrine Falcon is the grandest bird of prey we have left in England. The following account is based on field notes made during three successive springs at the same eyrie, and as their full relation involves a lot of monotonous reiteration, I will try and combine the salient facts of all three years in their proper order, so as to give a connected account from the date of hatching to the time when the young leave the eyrie."