Quick answer
The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized bird of prey famous as the fastest animal in the world, reaching over 380 km/h (240 mph) in its hunting dive. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it preys mainly on other birds, striking them in mid-air. Once endangered by the pesticide DDT, peregrines have made a remarkable recovery and now even nest on city skyscrapers.
Key takeaway
The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized bird of prey famous as the fastest animal in the world, reaching over 380 km/h (240 mph) in its hunting dive. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it preys mainly on other birds, striking them in mid-air. Once endangered by the pesticide DDT, peregrines have made a remarkable recovery and now even nest on city skyscrapers.
Overview
The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized bird of prey famous as the fastest animal in the world, reaching over 380 km/h (240 mph) in its hunting dive. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it preys mainly on other birds, striking them in mid-air. Once endangered by the pesticide DDT, peregrines have made a remarkable recovery and now even nest on city skyscrapers.
Biology
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is classified as Bird with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.9 kg; lifespan around Up to 15 years in the wild.
Ecology
Diet: Carnivore (mainly birds). Habitat: Cliffs, coasts, open country, and cities. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Peregrine Falcon profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
The record-breaking dive
The peregrine falcon is the fastest member of the animal kingdom. When hunting, it climbs to a great height and then folds its wings into a steep dive called a stoop, reaching speeds of more than 380 km/h (240 mph). Special baffles in its nostrils let it breathe at such speeds, and a clear third eyelid protects and cleans its eyes mid-dive.
Hunting on the wing
Peregrines hunt mainly other birds, from pigeons and ducks to songbirds, almost always catching them in flight. The falcon usually strikes its prey with a clenched foot at high speed, stunning or killing it on impact, then circles back to catch the falling bird. Its eyesight is extraordinary, able to spot prey from many kilometers away.
Habitat and city life
Peregrine falcons live on every continent except Antarctica, one of the most widespread birds in the world. They traditionally nest on cliffs and rocky ledges, but many have adapted to cities, where tall buildings and bridges mimic cliffs and pigeons provide abundant food. Urban peregrines are now a common and welcome sight in many large cities.
Decline and recovery
In the mid-20th century, the pesticide DDT caused peregrine eggshells to thin and break, and populations crashed across North America and Europe. After DDT was banned and captive-bred birds were released, the species recovered dramatically, becoming a celebrated success story for conservation and the power of reversing environmental harm.
Research notes
Figures for peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter peregrine falcons in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Peregrine Falcon: Key Facts & Natural History?
The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized bird of prey famous as the fastest animal in the world, reaching over 380 km/h (240 mph) in its hunting dive. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it preys mainly on other birds, striking them in mid-air. Once endangered by the pesticide DDT, peregrines have made a remarkable recovery and now even nest on city skyscrapers.
What is the scientific name of the peregrine falcon?
Falco peregrinus
What do peregrine falcons eat?
Carnivore (mainly birds)
Where do peregrine falcons live?
Cliffs, coasts, open country, and cities
Are peregrine falcons endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.