Recently, however, they have become well known as a species endangered due to pesticide contamination. These magnificent birds are now making a comeback in many parts of their former range. The peregrine's bluish upperparts, black cap, black moustache below the eye, white chin and buffy under-parts barred with brown give it a striking appearance. It has dark brown eyes with yellow eye rings, a slate-blue beak and yellow feet and legs. Large, strong feet and a powerful, hooked beak enable the peregrine to carry and eat its prey.
Peregrines are compact, fast birds with pointed wings.
As with most birds of prey, male peregrines are smaller than females. An immature peregrine falcon is similar to the adult, but has brown upperparts, a heavily streaked breast and a blue-gray beak, legs and feet. Food Peregrine falcons eat small to medium-sized birds. Those living in urban areas eat large numbers of pigeons and starlings. Peregrines will eat a great variety of species, however, depending on what is available.