A young peregrine falcon chick has gone missing from its nest at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, prompting staff, wildlife organisations and members of the community to search for the bird.

The chick, known as Pete, hatched on September 3 as part of the hospital's well-known Operation Falcon project. The peregrine falcon family, including parents Penny and Perry, has attracted a large online following through a 24-hour livestream positioned near the nesting site.

Hospital staff initially reported that the chick was developing well after hatching. The livestream allowed viewers to watch the young bird as it grew and interacted with its parents.

The situation changed on Tuesday morning when cameras captured Pete falling from the nest.

Following the fall, hospital staff and other people involved with the project immediately began searching areas around the hospital. Search efforts included checking roads, bushes, drains and surrounding areas where the chick might have landed.

Despite the efforts, Pete had not been located by the latest update.

Wildlife rescue organisations have also been contacted for advice. They have warned that the first year can be particularly challenging for young peregrine falcons, with a significant proportion of chicks failing to survive their first year.

The hospital said staff and members of the community were concerned about the missing chick and were preparing for the possibility that Pete might not be found.

The disappearance has generated a strong reaction among people who regularly watch the livestream. Many viewers have followed the falcon family since the chick hatched and expressed hope that Pete could still be located and returned to safety.

The livestream has allowed the public to observe the peregrine family closely, turning the nesting site into a popular wildlife attraction for online viewers.

Hospital staff said Pete's parents appeared unsettled following the disappearance. The community response has also demonstrated how strongly people have connected with the birds through the livestream.

Peregrine falcons are native Australian birds of prey and can face significant challenges during the early stages of life. Young birds eventually leave their nests as they learn to fly and survive independently, making the period around fledging particularly important.

The hospital's Operation Falcon project provides an opportunity for the public to observe the birds while also raising awareness of local wildlife.

At the latest update on September 16, the search for Pete was continuing, although there was no confirmed sighting of the chick.

The hospital has thanked people who contacted staff, checked the surrounding area and shared their concern for the falcon family.

The disappearance remains an unfolding local wildlife story on the Sunshine Coast, with the community continuing to hope that the young peregrine falcon can be located.