The peregrine falcon is a marvel of nature, renowned for its incredible speed and hunting prowess. These magnificent birds of prey are amazing to watch. I’m lucky enough to have seen these birds in action, tackling other birds in the sky. The sight is awesome and breathtaking. Peregrines are found on every continent except Antarctica, making them one of the most widespread bird species in the world. Their ability to adapt to various habitats, coupled with their shocking aerial skills, has earned them a special place in the animal kingdom. Here are 15 astounding facts about the peregrine falcon that show why these birds are truly nature’s speed demons.
Fastest Animal on Earth
Peregrine falcons hold the title of the fastest animal on the planet. During their hunting stoop (dive), they can reach speeds of over 240 mph (386 km/h). This incredible velocity allows them to strike their prey with devastating force. To put this into perspective, the fastest land animal, the cheetah, tops out at about 70 mph (113 km/h). The peregrine’s dive is so fast that it breaks the sound barrier, creating a sonic boom that can sometimes be heard during their descent.
Built for Speed
The peregrine’s body is perfectly adapted for high-speed flight. They have a sleek, streamlined shape with pointed wings and a narrow tail. Their nostrils have special bony tubercles that help control the airflow during high-speed dives, preventing damage to their lungs. The falcon’s feathers are also uniquely structured to withstand the extreme forces experienced during their stoops, with reinforced shafts that prevent them from breaking apart at high speeds.
Incredible Eyesight
Peregrine falcons have exceptional vision, estimated to be 8 times sharper than that of humans. They can spot potential prey from over a mile away. Their eyes also have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane, which protects their eyes during high-speed dives while still allowing them to see. Peregrines can process visual information much faster than humans, allowing them to navigate through complex environments at high speeds without collision.
Urban Adaptors
While traditionally cliff-nesters, peregrine falcons have adapted remarkably well to urban environments. They often nest on tall buildings and bridges, which mimic their natural cliff habitats. In cities, they feast on pigeons and other urban birds, helping to control these populations. Some cities now actively encourage peregrine nesting by installing nest boxes on tall buildings, recognising their value in urban ecosystem management.
Masters of the Sky
Peregrines are capable of flying at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres (11,500 feet). At these heights, they can cover vast distances during migration. Some peregrines have been recorded travelling over 15,500 miles (25,000 km) in a year. Their ability to fly at such high altitudes also allows them to avoid many predators and navigate using celestial cues during long-distance migrations.
Powerful Hunters
Despite their relatively small size (about the size of a crow), peregrine falcons can take down prey much larger than themselves. They’ve been known to hunt birds as large as sandhill cranes and even small geese. Their preferred hunting method is to strike prey in mid-air with their talons, often killing on impact. The force of a peregrine’s strike can reach up to 200 times the force of gravity, equivalent to a 150-pound person hitting a wall at 200 mph.
Comeback Kings
Peregrine falcons faced near-extinction in many parts of the world due to DDT poisoning in the mid-20th century. Thanks to conservation efforts and the ban on DDT, their populations have made a remarkable recovery. In the UK, there are now over 1,700 breeding pairs, up from just 360 pairs in the 1960s. This recovery is considered one of the most successful wildlife conservation stories of the 20th century.
Global Travellers
Some peregrine falcons undertake impressive migrations. Arctic peregrines breeding in Alaska and northern Canada may travel as far as Argentina for the winter, covering over 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in a round trip. These journeys showcase their incredible endurance and navigational skills. Researchers have found that peregrines can fly up to 350 miles (563 km) in a single day during migration.
Ancient Connections
Humans have been fascinated by peregrine falcons for thousands of years. They’ve been used in falconry since at least 2000 BC. In medieval Europe, peregrine falcons were considered the birds of nobles, and their possession was restricted to those of high rank. The word ‘peregrine’ itself comes from the Latin word ‘peregrinus’, meaning ‘wanderer’ or ‘pilgrim’, reflecting their wide-ranging nature.
Aerial Acrobats
During courtship, peregrine falcons perform spectacular aerial displays. Males will execute a series of steep dives and spiral climbs, sometimes passing food to the female in mid-air. These displays not only serve to attract a mate but also strengthen the pair bond. Male peregrines have been observed performing up to 30 separate dives in a single courtship display, showcasing their stamina and aerial prowess.
Devoted Parents
Peregrine falcons form strong pair bonds and often mate for life. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The female lays 3-4 eggs, which hatch after about a month. The chicks, called eyases, fledge after 35-42 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest. Peregrine parents are fiercely protective, known to aggressively drive away much larger birds and even humans who come too close to their nesting sites.
Specialized Feet
The peregrine’s feet are equipped with sharp, powerful talons and a special adaptation called a “tomial tooth” on their beak. This notch in the upper mandible allows them to sever the spine of their prey quickly and efficiently. Their strong feet can exert a pressure of up to 200 pounds per square inch when clenched. The scales on their toes are specially adapted to provide a better grip on struggling prey, with tiny spicules that act like Velcro.
Varied Diet
While they primarily hunt other birds, peregrine falcons have been known to catch bats and even the occasional small mammal. They’ve been recorded preying on over 450 different bird species across their global range. In urban areas, they often specialise in hunting pigeons and starlings. Peregrines are also opportunistic feeders, known to scavenge carrion when live prey is scarce, demonstrating their adaptability to different food sources.
Extreme G-Forces
During their high-speed stoops, peregrine falcons experience G-forces up to 25 times the force of gravity. For comparison, fighter pilots typically experience maximum G-forces of 9-10. The peregrine’s unique skull structure and robust cardiovascular system allow them to withstand these extreme forces without losing consciousness. Their blood also contains a higher concentration of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin than most birds, helping them maintain consciousness during these high-stress manoeuvres.
Exceptional Hearing
Peregrine falcons possess remarkable hearing abilities that complement their extraordinary vision. Their ears are asymmetrically positioned on their heads, with one ear slightly higher than the other. This arrangement allows them to pinpoint the exact location of sounds in three-dimensional space, a crucial advantage when hunting prey hidden by vegetation or in low visibility conditions. Their acute hearing also helps them detect potential threats and communicate with their mates and offspring over long distances. Peregrines can hear frequencies up to 1.5 times higher than humans, enabling them to pick up on the high-pitched calls of small birds that often make up their prey.
