Young Peregrine Falcons - Migration Now and Then

As part of our joint issue with the Royal Gibraltar Post Office, we are dedicating a special souvenir sheet with two stamps to the peregrine falcon. The “Peregrine Falcon juvenile” stamp (face value CHF 1.90) shows the young peregrine falcon before its departure to the south. The “Peregrine Falcon adult” motif (face value CHF 1.90) shows two peregrine falcons flying over the Liechtenstein Alps after their return. Depending on the population, peregrine falcons can be resident birds or long-distance migrants. In central Europe, which includes Liechtenstein, young peregrines traditionally migrate to western and south-western Europe during their first year of life. The Strait of Gibraltar is an important passage for migratory birds of prey on their way to Africa.

But climate change is not only changing the landscape. It is also altering ancient patterns of animal behaviour. Many young falcons are now staying where their ancestors had to migrate. Increasingly mild winters allow them to find food even in the coldest part of the year. The need to find wintering grounds with higher food densities in southern Europe and North Africa is no longer necessary. Their decision to spend the winter in the Alps is more than just an instinct. When migratory birds adapt or even abandon their routes, it shows how much their habitat has already changed.