The peregrine falcon is the "top gun" in nature's air force. The fastest flying bird in the world, this creature can reach speeds of 175 miles per hour when dive-bombing prey. This falcon pursues other birds in wild, fast-paced "dogfights," in which it almost always comes out on top. Great vision, plus powerful claws and a rugged bill, help this bird rule the skies.
Great View: The peregrine falcon has amazing eyes. Though the bird's head is small, its eyes are bigger than those of a human. This bird of prey can spot potential victims on the ground from 1,000 feet in the air.
Powerful Peck: When battling prey on the ground, this bird will bite the spinal cord of a victim, the same technique used by tigers and other big cats. Its claws are used mainly for perching and striking slashing blows in mid-air.
Deadly Dive Bomber[]
The peregrine falcon rips victims to shreds with its strong, sharp beak.
The peregrine falcon is not only the speediest bird in the skies, but is also the fastest animal in the world. In normal flight, this bird can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. That's just first gear. This falcon usually hunts other birds in the air, gliding at great heights and spotting its prey flying at lower levels. Once the falcon targets a victim, it dives-fast. Folding its wings inward, this bird dive-bombs its prey at up to 175 mph. At the last moment, the falcon extends its talons and strikes with such devastating force that the victim is often killed instantly.
Long Haul: When mating season begins, the peregrine falcon makes a long journey. Birds that live in Canada fly about 5,000 miles to reach their nesting sites in South America-then fly back again when they're done rearing their young.
In-Flight Meal: Peregrine falcons play a kind of game when raising their young. Males bring their food-but will only "toss" it to them in mid-air as they grow. This forces the fledglings out of the nest and helps teach them how to fly.
A Real Quack Up[]
- While searching for prey, a peregrine falcon spots a lone mallard duck. The falcon is too close to dive-bomb the duck, so it begins a high-speed aerial pursuit.
- The duck is no match for the bird of prey, which flies circles around it, slashing with its talons each time it passes by, slowly wearing the duck down.
- The falcon finally lands a few blows to the duck's head and neck, killing it in mid-flight. The falcon carries its prey back to a perch where it can eat.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The illustration on the back, "A Real Quack Up", is also in the Wildlife Explorer card for the peregrine falcon; called "Bolt from the Blue", it has an additional first panel of the falcon scouting in the sky.
- The peregrine falcon is featured in Animal All-Stars on Monster Mania 106.
- Peregrine Falcons have the fastest diving speed of any living animal. 242 miles per hour was the record speed of any Peregrine dive.