Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on the earth. These lovely birds are fierce hunters.

The peregrine falcon has blue-gray wings. They have white faces with a black stripe on each cheek. Their wingspan is about three feet.

This falcon eats other birds. It likes pigeons, starlings, parrots, and ducks. It flies high in the sky. When it sees a bird, it goes into a dive. This is called a stoop.

Peregrine falcons can dive at over 200 miles per hour! They ball up their feet. Then, they knock prey out in midair.

Most young peregrine falcons die in their first year. Animals steal baby chicks and eggs. Pesticides also hurt these falcons.

People are helping to save peregrine falcons. Now, there are many pairs of these birds. Some of them live in cities. They make nests on high bridges and skyscrapers. Have you seen one?