Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), occasionally known in North America as the Duck Hawk, is a medium-sized falcon about the size of a large crow: 380–530 millimetres (15–21 in) long. The English and scientific species names mean "wandering falcon", and refer to the fact that some populations are migratory. It has a wingspan of about 1 m (40 in). Males weigh 570–710 grams; the noticeably larger females weigh 910–1190 grams.

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet in its hunting dive, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then dives steeply at speeds of over 200 mph (322 km/h) into either wing of its prey, so as not to harm itself on impact. The fledglings practice the roll and the pumping of the wings before they master the actual stoop. It should be noted, however, that in level flight the fastest-flying bird is the White-throated Needletail and either animal is often quoted as being the fastest on earth.