Peregrine falcon died due to infection, post-mortem reveals

Photo: GMP Rochdale

The male peregrine after he was rescued from Broadfield Park

A post-mortem has revealed that the male peregrine falcon died as a result of an infection contracted after damage to his bill prevented him from eating.

The adult male of the pair, which nest in the clock tower of Rochdale Town Hall, was found by a local resident in Broadfield Park on 24 June with a broken bill.

He sadly died shortly before he was due to undergo an operation by Wild Wings Birds of Prey to repair his broken bill.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/128792/injured-peregrine-falcon-dies

A spokesperson for the council said: “Following a post-mortem by an avian vet, we have an update from the excellent Wild Wings Birds of Prey about the cause of death of the peregrine falcon living at Rochdale Town Hall.

“The damage to the beak prevented the falcon from eating enough food for its nutritional needs. This weakened the bird's immune system and muscles, causing a further infection, making the peregrine too weak to fly. Sadly, it was the infection that caused the falcon to die.

“The female adult and three chicks all seem to be thriving and loving life in Rochdale Town Centre.

“Thanks for everyone's messages and interest in the peregrine falcons living at Rochdale Town

According to the London Peregrine Partnership, the average life expectancy is between 11 and 15 years of age, with the birds pairing for life.

However, if one of the pair dies, the surviving bird can accept a new mate, which it is hoped that the female will do next breeding season.

Falcons have nested at the clock tower of the Grade-I listed Town Hall for more than a decade and are regularly seen soaring above the town centre as they hunt for food. 

A live webcam tracks the birds’ progress as they raise their chicks at the top of the historic clock tower, reflecting the birds’ natural habitat to breed and hunt prey.

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/falcons