Peregrine Falcon Facts

The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest creatures in the world thanks to its amazing dive speeds which have been recorded as high as 200 mph. Their level flight speed of around 40-50 mph is also extremely fast with very few bird species being able to match them.

Peregrine falcons have a length of around 40-50cm, a wingspan of around 80-120cm and weigh in at around 1kg which means they’re not the largest of birds (the females are slightly larger and more powerful). Now despite being of average size they’re still extremely effective as predators making most small birds and even mammals like bats, rats and rabbits their prey.

Historically falcons have been recognised for their grandeur and expert flying abilities. Many ancient civilisations used them for hunting, sporting activities and the Egyptians even recognised their Sky God (Horus) as a half peregrine falcon half man creation.

Despite a great past these awesome birds did have some problems with DDT pesticides during the 60s and 70s. The DDT which is now banned in farming was affecting the thickness of their egg shells making them so weak that an incubating adult would crush and destroy their own egg. Despite these problems falcon populations have recovered their numbers and are now considered stable.