Notornis, 23 (1), 8-28
Article Type: Paper
The daily routine and hunting methods of a female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) resident in Suva, Viti Levu island, Fiji, are described, and her food examined. The falcon was capable of hunting in very poor light conditions, and specialised in birds weighing roughly 100–300 g., although larger and smaller prey were available. Food consisted mainly of pigeons, waders and sea-birds, unlike that of rainforest-dwelling peregrines at a nearby eyrie, which fed on flying fox bats. The Suva falcon showed a tendency to kill birds which were unusual or uncommon on her hunting range, including two species of rail previously thought to be extinct or near extinct on Viti Levu.