Peregrine Falcon
NamePeregrine Falcon
Common NamePeregrine Falcon
Scientific NameFalco peregrinus
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsAdults have a slate-gray back and wings, a white to buff underside with fine dark barring, and a distinctive dark 'helmet' or 'mustache' mark on the face. Juveniles are browner with streaked underparts.
Vocalization / CallTheir most common call is a harsh, rapid 'kak-kak-kak' or 'kree-kree-kree' often given when agitated or defending a nest. They also have softer 'wichew' calls during courtship.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscliffs, coastlines, mountains, wetlands, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, breeding on all continents except Antarctica. Found across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, often migrating long distances.
Identifying Featuresdark 'helmet' and 'mustache' marks on face, slate-gray back and wings, finely barred underparts (adults), long, pointed wings in flight, fast, powerful flight and hunting stoop
Description
The Peregrine Falcon is a powerful, crow-sized raptor renowned for its incredible speed, especially during its hunting dive or 'stoop'. It is a cosmopolitan species, found on every continent except Antarctica, and is highly adapted to hunting other birds in open country.
