Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Last updated: March 24, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com

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Peregrine Falcon Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Falconidae
Genus
Falco
Scientific Name
Falco peregrinus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Peregrine Falcon Conservation Status


Peregrine Falcon Facts

Prey
Birds, mammals, insects
Name Of Young
Eyases
Group Behavior
  • Pair
Fun Fact
Fastest animal on Earth
Estimated Population Size
140,000
Biggest Threat
Pesticide use
Most Distinctive Feature
Dark head feathers and hooked beak
Other Name(s)
Peregrine, duck hawk
Incubation Period
29-33Days
Litter Size
2-5
Habitat
Various
Predators
Eagles, owls
Diet
Carnivore
Type
Falcon
Common Name
Peregrine falcon
Number Of Species
1
Location
Global

Peregrine Falcon Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • White
Skin Type
Feathers
Top Speed
242 mph
Lifespan
15 years
Weight
0.3kg-1.5kg (0.7lbs-3.3lbs)
Height
0.25m-0.6m (0.7ft-2ft)
Length
0.3m-1.2m (1ft-4ft)
Age of Sexual Maturity
3 years
Age of Weaning
2 months

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“The Peregrine Falcon is a small, deadly, and powerful aerial diver.”

Peregrine falcons, also historically known as the duck hawk in North America, are one of the most prolific and powerful predatory birds on the entire planet. Their hooked beak, dark tear marks and grey to brown feathers are recognizable across every continent except Antarctica. Peregrine falcons are highly migratory birds, but have excellent homing instincts that can bring them back to familiar nesting grounds year after year. Their massive geographic distribution has given rise to numerous subspecies, although all of them can reach record-breaking speeds in their characteristic dive to catch their airborne prey. They are also a popular raptor species for falconers who train them to catch and return game birds.

4 Incredible Peregrine Falcon Facts!

  • High Speeds: These falcons hold the speed record of all known records. They routinely reach 200 miles per hour while hardly making a sound during their dives. Learn about the world’s fastest animals here.
  • Hunting Birds: Despite their strong independent instincts, these birds are a prime choice for taming and use by falconers.
  • Lifelong Romance: Peregrine falcons are birds that often mate for life and thus travel, nest and raise young as a pair.
  • In a Scrape: Peregrine nests are called scrapes and are typically found on tall buildings or on narrow ledges of towering cliffs.

Learn more interesting Peregrine Falcon facts here.

Scientific Name

Most Dangerous Birds

There are 19 subspecies of peregrine falcon

©Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com

Often simply called peregrine by observers, this raptor species was also known as the duck hawk in the United States and Canada. Their taxonomic classification is Falco peregrinus, which is part of the Falconidae family in the Aves class. The species name of “peregrinus” comes directly from the Latin word for traveler or pilgrim, which refers to the falcon’s ability to migrate vast distances each year.



The scientific community currently recognizes 19 distinct peregrine subspecies, which are primarily distributed according to native geography. They are evenly distributed across the planet, with the most diversity found in North America, Africa, and Australia. The American peregrine falcon, classified as Falco peregrinus anatum, was the bird originally called duck hawk in the Americas.

Types

Cool Types of Birds

Some peregrine falcons are capable of travelling impressive distances from South Asia and Africa to Siberia

©iStock.com/DawnKey

There are 19 subspecies of peregrine falcon, including:

  • Falco peregrinus anatum: Also referred to as the American peregrine falcon, this bird of prey could once be found from North Mexico to the Tundra. Today, however, it mainly resides in the Rocky Mountains. It is known as the duck hawk and its scientific name is merely the Latin form of the moniker.
  • Falco peregrinus babylonicus: Rather similar to a small-sized lanner falcon, this avian is capable of reaching 765 grams in weight. Its range includes the Altai in Mongolia, as well as the Hindu Kush in the east of Iran. 
  • Falco peregrinus brookei:  Known for the russet coloring of its underside, this avian has a range which extends from the Caucasus to the Iberian Peninsula.  The bird of prey which is also referred to as the Maltese falcon does not migrate 
  • Falco peregrinus calidus: A rather impressive traveler, this bird of prey loves to winter in South Asia and the African tropics. However, it spends its breeding season in the distant tundra in Siberia. 
  • Falco peregrinus cassini:  A nonmigratory subspecies, its members generally have a range which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. Their ear regions are covered with white feathers.

Evolution and Classification

Although their status and perhaps their appearance make it easy to think of peregrine falcons (and indeed all other falcons) as being related to eagles and hawks, the fact is that these birds of prey are more closely related to parrots and passerines. This is due to their status as Australaves also considered to be cousins of sorts to Afroaves, to which hawks and eagles belong, making them distant relatives.

However, the distant history of these birds of prey is somewhat shrouded in mystery. The oldest fossils available are believed to date as far back as 10 million years ago, and the genus to which the peregrine falcon belongs is believed to have originated in Africa or the Middle East.

Appearance

A Peregrine Falcon with spread wings flying

Adult female peregrine falcons are larger than males

©Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com

Peregrines are relatively large for a falcon, with a body length of 1 to 2 feet and a wingspan that can reach almost 4 feet from tip to tip. Adult females typically weigh a bit more than males, with an average female weight of 1.8 pounds and an average male weight of 1.5 pounds. Some of the largest specimens recorded were a 3.3-pound female and a 2.2-pound male.

Despite size differences between genders, they are quite similar in terms of coloration and other visible traits. Peregrine has a distinctly hooked beak that may be multi-colored. They are usually dark, with feathers ranging in color from brown to grayish-black depending on subspecies. Adults usually have white or light colored plumage on their underside that may have darker barring along the crest.

Behavior

Peregrine Falcon in New Jersey

Peregrine Falcons are known fir their ability to dive at speeds of 200 mph, and are the fastest animal species on the planet

©Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com

Peregrines engage in a distinct type of diving when hunting their prey. They tend to float aloft high in the sky watching for birds or bats, although they may target mammals and insects when desperate. Once they’ve selected the target, they drop into a fast drive and reach a speed of 200mph as they plummet. Some sources indicate the fastest falcon dive on record reached a breathtaking speed of 242mph, making it the fastest animal species in the world. They typically target a wing or limb of their prey to avoid harming themselves on impact.

Habitat

flying Peregrine falcon isolated on white background

Peregrine falcons are capable of travelling over 10,000 miles each year

©Potapov Alexander/Shutterstock.com

While they tend to prefer temperate to cold climates, the peregrine is found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. They also inhabit most climate zones, with the exception of frigid polar environments, extreme deserts, and tropical rain forests. They are also considered a highly successful urban predator and are often seen hunting in cities and other developed areas.

Their migratory nature can carry individual birds over 10,000 miles in a single year, with some going from the Arctic to areas south of the Equator on an annual basis. As such, their habitats can be extremely diverse, ranging from the open tundra to rugged mountains. Despite their wandering nature, falcons often return to the same exact nesting ground each year to lay their eggs and look after their young.

Diet

Peregrine Falcon sitting on branch

Peregrine Falcons are fond of soaring over open areas where prey can be spotted with ease

©Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com

These birds love heights and are either found floating in the sky or perched on tall structures. They may use natural structures, like mountains or tall trees, as well as buildings and other man-made ones. They are also highly migratory and may travel many miles in a single day as they scout for prey. Peregrine falcons prefer to take the skies above open areas, like fields and beaches, where they can easily spot potential prey. Since they mate for life, they typically travel and nest in pairs.

Like other raptors, the peregrine is a true carnivore and predator. They spend a lot of their time soaring around high in the sky waiting for an opportunity to plunge at a prey animal. Birds in flight are their primary target, but they are also known to eat smaller animals or even insects when they are desperate for food.

What do peregrine falcons eat?

Pigeons are a favorite menu item for peregrine falcons

©Julie A Lynch/Shutterstock.com

Medium-sized prey birds are the ideal target for peregrine falcons. Plump fowl like pigeons, doves, ducks, and other water birds are favored prey, but they can also target wading and songbird species. One of the many astounding facts about these falcons is that they prey on up to 2000 distinct bird species across the planet. They have a substantial range in potential target size and can kill birds much larger than themselves.

Predators and Threats

Golden eagle

Eagles are known to be possible predators of peregrine falcons

©Touched by light images/Shutterstock.com

Peregrines are often near the top of the food chain in their various native ranges, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own threats to worry about. They can fall prey to large air-borne predators like eagles and the great-horned owl. Nesting falcons may also be vulnerable to land-bound reptiles and mammals depending on their choice of nesting site.

The biggest threat to peregrine populations has historically been pesticide use. The 1960s and 70s saw a significant decline in their global population due to the build-up of DDT and other toxic chemicals in their targeted prey species. However, subsequent curtailing of pesticides has led to a resurgence in population and the peregrine is now considered a species of least concern in terms of conservation. The facts of habitat disruption and ecological encroachment by human development are also concerns, but the species has shown remarkable ability to survive in urban or suburban environments.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Chick Peregrine Falcon, Yamal, Russia

Peregrin falcons mate for life and females lay about 3-4 eggs at a time

©Fufachew Ivan Andreevich/Shutterstock.com

Peregrine falcons aren’t just serious about hunting, they can also be quite serious about their courtship and nesting habits. These birds mate for life and usually return to the same nesting ground every single year. Males court their prospective mates through a series of complex and acrobatic aerial spirals, dives, and other maneuvers. They also pass prey that they’ve caught to the female in a mid-air swap that requires the female to fly upside down in parallel.

These birds become quite territorial once the breeding season begins and they actively defend their nest against predators, which can include other peregrines, ravens, and gulls. Ground nests may also be vulnerable to various mammals, like wolves, mountain lions, and wolverines. They may alert each other to impending threats through a distinctive call made of short, repetitive “kak” sounds. Otherwise, these birds are generally quiet and don’t make a sound while hunting or flying.

Females generally lay a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs in their nest, which is called a scrape. Both members of the mating pair help protect and incubate the eggs for about a month. The chicks, called eyases, start learning to fly around the 45-day mark. Falcons become sexually mature at 2 to 3 years old and have a potential lifespan of up to 20 years, although the average life expectancy is 7 to 15 years.

Population

Most Dangerous Birds

Peregrine falcon populations once experienced a sharp decline but are now stable

©Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com

Their vast migratory range, habitat diversification, and massive geographical distribution does give the peregrine population some resilience against local disruptions. Their numbers are difficult to track since individuals may travel across multiple continents within a single year. Their population is now considered stable since the sharp decline in the 20th century and some researchers believe there may even be more of them now than there were before the pesticide crisis. Current global population numbers are thought to be steady at around 248,000 – 478,000 mature individuals.

Full Species List

  • Falco peregrinus anatum
  • Falco peregrinus babylonicus
  • Falco peregrinus brookei
  • Falco peregrinus calidus
  • Falco peregrinus cassini
  • Falco peregrinus ernesti
  • Falco peregrinus furuitii
  • Falco peregrinus japonensis
  • Falco peregrinus macropus
  • Falco peregrinus madens
  • Falco peregrinus minor
  • Falco peregrinus nesiotes
  • Falco peregrinus pealei
  • Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides
  • Falco peregrinus peregrinator
  • Falco peregrinus peregrinus
  • Falco peregrinus radama
  • Falco peregrinus submelanogenys
  • Falco peregrinus tundrius

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Peregrine Falcon FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are peregrine falcons carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores?

Like most raptors, the peregrine falcon is a professional predator and true carnivore. They only target other living animals, usually birds, and aren’t known to eat carrion.

What do peregrine falcons eat?

Peregrine prefers to target air-borne birds, particularly pigeons and various waterfowl. They aren’t restricted to these species though and some experts estimate that they have a potential prey range that includes almost 2000 different bird species. Small mammals and insects are also potential food sources in dire circumstances.

How fast do peregrine falcons fly?

Adults can reach diving speeds of 200 miles, or 320 kilometers, per hour. The fastest speed on record is over 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal species on the planet.

How big is a peregrine falcon?

Peregrine falcons are among the largest falcon species with an adult weight range of 19 to 57 ounces. They are generally between 14 and 19 inches long with a wingspan of around 3 feet across.

Where do peregrine falcons live?

Peregrine falcons live on every continent except Antarctica and make their home in almost every kind of habitat, with the exception of desert, polar and tropical extremes. They prefer places that afford them a wide and open view, like beaches and fields, that make it easy to find prey. They are highly migratory and can fly thousands of miles and visit multiple continents on an annual basis.

How many Peregrine falcons are left?

Exact numbers are unknown and are difficult to track due to the falcon’s migratory patterns and wide distribution. However, conservationists believe there are about 140,000 mature adult falcons around the world. The local population in the United States is estimated to be around 23,000

What Kingdom do Peregrine Falcons belong to?

Peregrine Falcons belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum do Peregrine Falcons belong to?

Peregrine Falcons belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do Peregrine Falcons belong to?

Peregrine Falcons belong to the class Aves.

What family do Peregrine Falcons belong to?

Peregrine Falcons belong to the family Falconidae.

What order to Peregrine Falcons belong to?

Peregrine Falcons belong to order Falconiformes.

What type of covering do Peregrine Falcons have?

Peregrine Falcons are covered in Feathers.

What are some predators of Peregrine Falcons?

Predators of Peregrine Falcons include eagles and owls.

What is the scientific name for the Peregrine Falcon?

The scientific name for the Peregrine Falcon is Falco peregrinus.

What is the lifespan of a Peregrine Falcon?

Peregrine Falcons can live for 15 years.

How many species of Peregrine Falcon are there?

There is 1 species of Peregrine Falcon.

What is another name for the Peregrine Falcon?

The Peregrine Falcon is also called the peregrine or duck hawk.

How many babies do Peregrine Falcons have?

The average number of babies a Peregrine Falcon has is 2 to 5.

What is an interesting fact about Peregrine Falcons?

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on Earth.

How do Peregrine Falcons have babies?

Peregrine Falcons lay eggs.

Peregrine Falcon Vs Hawk

While the peregrine falcon belongs to the falconidae family, hawks belong to the accipitridae family. Besides both birds differ in size, speed, and range.

What are the key differences between a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle?

The key differences between a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle are taxonomy, appearance, wingspan, distribution, speed, and prey.

What are the key differences between a peregrine falcon and an osprey?

The key differences between a peregrine falcon and an osprey are taxonomy, appearance, wingspan, distribution, top speed, and prey.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Audubon, Available here: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/peregrine-falcon
  2. Fire Effects Information System (FEIS), Available here: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/bird/fape/all.html
  3. National Geographic, Available here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/p/peregrine-falcon/
  4. Defenders of Wildlife, Available here: https://defenders.org/wildlife/peregrine-falcon
  5. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_falcon

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