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Peregrine Falcon

Meet the fastest animal on Earth, a super-speedy bird of prey that dives like a rocket!

Images

Peregrine falcon

Peregrine falcon

wikipedia
I-90 Bridge, Peregrine Falcon Nest, June 2013
Chicopee-West Springfield, I-90 Bridge, Peregrine Falcon, Nest Box, December 2012
PEREGRINE FALCON
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine falcon on Statue of Liberty's pedestal
Peregrine Falcon 12
Peregrine Falcon
American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus, Pilgrimsfalk
Male Peregrine Falcon
Faucon pèlerin / Peregrine Falcon / Falco peregrinus

Key Facts

Scientific Name
Falco peregrinus.
Habitat
Found worldwide on every continent except Antarctica, in open country, cliffs, and cities.
Diet
Carnivore; mainly eats other birds, like pigeons and waterfowl.
Size
About the size of a crow, with a wingspan of about 3 feet (1 meter).
Lifespan
Up to 17 years in the wild.
Conservation Status
Least Concern.
Top Speed
Over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h) during dives.

Meet the Speedy Falcon!

The peregrine falcon is a super cool bird that's like a feathered rocket! It has a sleek, powerful body and sharp eyes that can spot a tiny mouse from way up high. These amazing birds are found all over the world, from snowy mountains to busy cities. They love to build their nests on tall cliffs or even on the sides of tall buildings, giving them a great view for hunting.

What's for Dinner?

Peregrine falcons are carnivores, which means they only eat meat. Their favorite food is other birds, like pigeons and doves. They are incredible hunters! When they spot their prey, they fold their wings and dive down at super-fast speeds. Imagine dropping from the top of a tall building – that's how fast they go! They catch their meals right out of the air.

Super-Speedy Dives!

The most amazing thing about peregrine falcons is their speed. When they dive, called a 'stoop', they can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour! That's faster than a race car! This incredible speed helps them catch other birds in mid-air. Their bodies are built for speed, with long, pointed wings and a strong tail that helps them steer.

Falcons and Us

Peregrine falcons are important because they help keep other bird populations healthy by eating them. For a long time, these birds were in trouble, but people worked hard to help them. Now, they are doing much better! Seeing a peregrine falcon dive is a truly breathtaking sight, showing us the amazing power of nature.

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Based on content from Wikipedia · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0