Species › Birds › Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

UncommonBird
Illustration of Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 240 mph in a hunting stoop. It has adapted to urban environments and now nests on skyscrapers and bridge towers across North America. Populations crashed due to DDT but have fully recovered following a landmark captive-breeding reintroduction program.

Habitat
Open skies over cities, cliffs, coastlines, and tundra
Diet
Medium-sized birds caught in high-speed aerial stoops
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Peregrine Falcon

The best time to see a Peregrine Falcon is August–February, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 22,886 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Peregrine Falcon sightings near you

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