Brisbane's Upwardly Mobile Peregrines

Brisbane city

Peregrines may be new addition to the Admiralty Towers residential block, but they are not new to the CBD! Brisbane joined the list of cities around the world that have breeding pairs on tall buildings and skyscrapers sometime during the mid-1970s, when a pair took up residence on the MLC Building (George and Adelaide Streets).

A pair, but not necessarily the same individuals, has been living in the CBD ever since. During the past decade, they have nested on Sheraton Building where they also attracted a great deal of attention.

The pair has now moved to the Admiralty Towers, probably because of the number of tall buildings rising around their former residences. On the other hand it may simply be that the ledges of their new home are far more attractive.

The city lifestyle suits Peregrines, but it can be dangerous too. On the positive side, there are fewer competitors and predators and there is an almost limitless supply of prey: feral pigeons, doves and mynas, or urbanised natives such as galahs, lorikeets and large honeyeaters. On the down side, there is the risk of death and injury due to collisions with wires, windows and motor vehicles.

Peregrines are likely to remain a feature of the Inner City for a long time to come.

The Courier-Mail's Frodocam is available for viewing here [new window].