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Peregrine Falcon

ID Info
Peregrine Falcon by David Chamberlin / Macaulay Library
Falcons SilhouetteFalcons
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinus
  • ORDER: Falconiformes
  • FAMILY: Falconidae

Basic Description

Powerful and fast-flying, the Peregrine Falcon hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas.

More ID Info
Range map for Peregrine Falcon
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
Explore Maps

Other Names

  • Halcón Peregrino (Spanish)
  • Faucon pèlerin (French)
  • Cool Facts
    • People have trained falcons for hunting for over a thousand years, and the Peregrine Falcon was always one of the most prized birds. Efforts to breed the Peregrine in captivity and reestablish populations depleted during the DDT years were greatly assisted by the existence of methods of handling captive falcons developed by falconers.
    • The Peregrine Falcon is a very fast flier, averaging 40-55 km/h (25-34 mph) in traveling flight, and reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (69 mph) in direct pursuit of prey. During its spectacular hunting stoop from heights of over 1 km (0.62 mi), the peregrine may reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph) as it drops toward its prey.
    • The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands.
    • The oldest recorded Peregrine Falcon was at least 19 years, 9 months old, when it was identified by its band in Minnesota in 2012, the same state where it had been banded in 1992.