The fastest animal on Earth, peregrine falcons reach speeds over 240 mph (390 km/h) during their hunting stoops.

Also called: Duck Hawk (historic US name)

Native status: Native; cosmopolitan — every continent except Antarctica

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 34–58 cm (13–23 in); wingspan 74–120 cm (29–47 in)
Weight0.5–1.6 kg (1.1–3.5 lb); females ~30% larger
LifespanWild typically 7–15 years; oldest recorded ~17 years
OrderFalconiformes
FamilyFalconidae

§ Encyclopedia

The peregrine falcon, also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae known for its speed. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and a black head. As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. Historically, the bird has also been known as the "black-cheeked falcon" in Australia and the "duck hawk" in North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Peregrine falcon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slate-blue back, barred white underparts, dark "moustache" stripe below the eye. Pointed wings; rapid powerful wingbeats. Larger than a crow, smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk.

Similar species. Merlin (smaller, stockier), Prairie Falcon (paler, dark axillaries), Cooper's Hawk (rounder wings, longer tail).

Voice. Loud rasping "kak-kak-kak-kak" near the nest; usually silent away from nest sites.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Primarily medium-sized birds (pigeons, shorebirds, ducks); also bats and small mammals. Hunts on the wing.

Behavior. Cruises at altitude before folding into a stoop reaching 240+ mph (390+ km/h). Strikes prey mid-air with clenched feet, killing on impact.

§ Range

Worldwide; throughout North America from tundra to cities

§ Habitat

Cliffs, mountains, open coasts, and now urban skyscrapers and bridges

§ Threats

Lingering pesticide effects, collisions with structures, illegal trade.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the peregrine falcon is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support raptor monitoring programs. Report banded birds. Reduce window-strike risks at home.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • The Peregrine Fund
  • IUCN Red List 2021
  • Birds of the World, Cornell