On the weekend of Saturday 16 October police were made aware that an injured Peregrine Falcon had been found by a member of the public by a roadside at Craigaroddan Road, Portaferry.
The animal was put down by a vet, who discovered shotgun pellets in the bird’s wing.
Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information.
A spokesman said: "Wildlife forms an important part of our natural heritage. Birds of prey are protected by law within the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and are afforded the highest level of wildlife protection. Anyone with information regarding the persecution of protected wildlife should come forward as doing so will help make sure those responsible go before the courts."
Anyone with information should contact police by calling 0845 600 8000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
GUIDANCE: Photographs of the bird are available from the press office