Peregrine falcon falco peregrinus in Brazil: natural history through the lens of citizen science

Abstract

Brazil is an important wintering area for Falco peregrinus, specifically for the subspecies F. p. tundrius and F. p anatum. Using data from WikiAves, we analyzed and discussed aspects of the species natural history, including migratory behavior, geographical distribution, diet, and ecological interactions. Peregrine Falcons were recorded in the country from October until April. Our data suggest that adults can arrive up to a month earlier than juveniles. Individuals have been recorded in all 26 states and there was no significant difference in their geographical distribution in relation to subspecies or age, but there is an apparent lack of records in the Center of the country. Our results showed 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 mobbing or kleptoparasitism.