| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A medium-large raptor measuring 34–58 cm in length with a wingspan of 95–120 cm. It has blue-grey upperparts, a pale underbody with dark barring, and a distinctive black malar stripe on the face. Males are smaller than females.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Breeds across all continents except Antarctica, including urban areas, cliffs, and open landscapes. Some populations are resident, while northern populations are migratory.
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| Migrate to: | Northern breeders migrate south in winter to Africa, South Asia, or southern North America. Urban populations often remain year-round.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds mainly from March to June, nesting on cliffs, tall buildings, or bridges. The nest is a simple scrape on ledges. Clutch size is typically 3–4 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Prefers rocky cliffs, gorges, and urban structures for nesting, often near open hunting grounds such as coastlines, rivers, or grasslands.
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| Habitat: | Found in open landscapes, coastal regions, mountains, and urban areas. Requires perching sites and open airspace for hunting.
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| Diet: | Strictly carnivorous, feeding almost entirely on birds captured in flight. Hunts using high-speed stoops, often exceeding 320 km/h during dives.
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