Peregrine falcon

This large, powerful falcon is the fastest bird ever recorded, with its 'stoop' diving flight well over 100mph.

Having been endangered by poison, farming methods, reduction in habitats and egg collectors, the Peregrine is now back on the increase, and is even colonising new areas, including cities such as Cardiff.

The bird is recognisable with a blueish-grey (male) or speckled brown (female) back, black cap and moustache, white face and pointed wings over a metre in length. The female is larger than the male.

Its normal habitat includes cliff faces such as those at South Stack, mountains and islands, but in recent years, tall buildings with covered ledges have provided new habitats. In Cardiff, a pair regularly nest on the clock tower of the City Hall.