PEREGRINE Falcons

FACTS

• Reaching speeds of over 200 mph as they dive to catch their prey, peregrine falcons are the fastest creatures on the planet.

• Peregrine falcons live mostly in open country but are adaptable and can thrive in urban areas surrounded by humans.

• The name ‘peregrine’ actually means ‘wanderer’ or ‘pilgrim.' When not nesting, they are usually solitary and may travel widely.

• A peregrine falcon's wings and tail are bluish-gray, and its back and head are a darker brown. Its cheeks sometimes have a dark brown tear-shaped mark. The bird's chin and neck are white, and each eye is surrounded by a yellow circle. Dark brown bars across the wings are also visible when its wings are open. Its strong, sharp yellow talons allow it to capture other birds, even while in flight. 

• Their binocular vision is eight times better than that of a human. They can see prey from more than 10,000' away.

• They have a third eyelid, which spreads tears and clears debris away to protect their eyes without obstructing their vision.

• They hunt mainly at dawn and dusk, feeding primarily on birds such as pigeons and gulls that they have capture in flight. They eat rabbits, bats, fish and rodents.

• To hunt, they chase or dive on their prey from a great height in a movement called a ‘stoop’. With to their speed, peregrine falcons stun their prey with a blow and they catch it as it falls.