Peregrine

Perhaps the most well known and well distributed falcon species, the peregrine (Falco peregrinus) has a rich history. Clocked at diving speeds up to 242 mph, the peregrine falcon is the fasted animal on the planet. Although their wings are built for speed and not soaring, the peregrine boasts one of the longest migrations of any raptors species, up to 11,000 miles. There are at least 19 subspecies of peregrine falcon, but they all specialize in eating birds. While the peregrine falcon can prey on up to 300 bird species worldwide, each individual specializes in just a few that are most common where they live.

We almost lost the peregrine falcon in the mid-20th century, mostly due to an overuse of the pesticide DDT. While DDT did not harm the adult peregrines, it caused a calcium deficiency which led to their eggshells being very thin. When the parents tried to incubate their eggs, the eggshells would crack, so no new peregrines were being born. Thankfully, due to a ban on DDT and a captive breeding program led by conservationists and falconers, the peregrine has made an incredible recovery. They have even adapted to living in cities, where the skyscrapers mimic the cliff ledges they naturally nest in, and pigeons make a perfect peregrine-sized snack.

Fun fact: Peregrine falcons have been documented decapitating pigeons in mid-air!