Cycle Prey Peregrines take their prey in flight, so they dine almost exclusively on other birds. However, very young falcons may catch flying insects and, occasionally, Arctic peregrines will catch and eat ground-dwelling animals like lemmings. Male peregrines, which are substantially smaller, will generally catch smaller birds, but females will take larger prey like ducks.
Peregrines can eat as much as one-quarter of their weight at one sitting.
Reproduction Peregrines usually begin breeding at about 2 years of age. The male will put on an aerial courtship display to attract a mate to a selection of nesting sites. The female chooses. Peregrines generally mate for life, returning each year to the same area and even the same nest. However, the female will accept a new mate if the first is killed.