Birds are highly migratory in the temperate and Arctic parts of its range, moving from Europe to Africa. Those breeding at lower latitudes tend to be resident (White et al. 2013). Migrating birds leave their breeding sites between August and November, and return between March and May (Snow and Perrins 1998). Migrants readily fly over expanses of sea and ocean. Most birds travel singly or in pairs, even on migration (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). It inhabits a wide variety of habitats, tolerating wet and dry, hot and cool climates. Birds make up most of its diet, principally pigeons and doves. Egg-laying occurs from February to March in northern temperate zones and eggs are usually laid in a scrape or depression in a rock face, with no nest being built (White et al. 2013). Clutches are usually three to four eggs (Snow and Perrins 1998).

This species occurs across the Mediterranean region.

Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. CMS Appendix II. CITES Appendix I. EU Birds Directive Annex I. Populations recovered following the ban of harmful hydrocarbons in most countries, which appears important to the birds' survival (White et al. 2013). Surveillance of nests and other direct protection measures have been successful in permitting population increases (Tucker and Heath 1994). In Morocco, the species is included in the preparation of a strategy for conservation of Mediterranean birds of prey and in a national programme for monitoring populations (UICN and DEF 2020). An initiative to identify dangerous power lines and action plans for their correction has also started in Morocco with the collaboration of governmental bodies and NGOs (Godino et al. 2016, Martin Martin et al. 2019).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Most importantly, harmful food-chain pollutants should be eliminated and the release of new potentially damaging chemicals prevented; the ban on organochlorine and other highly toxic pesticides should be enforced. Nest surveillance and other direct protection measures should be continued. Monitoring of breeding populations and exposure to toxic pollutants should also continue (Tucker and Heath 1994). Further research on habitat requirements, population size and trends and threats is required. Stricter legislation against poaching and illegal trade should be developed and enforced. Surveying and monitoring of the population is required to determine, protect and manage potential breeding sites; and suitable impact assessments should be conducted for wind energy developments. Actions should be implemented to reduce mortality from electrocution in power lines, establishing priority areas for power line mitigation works and retrofitting dangerous power lines.