Need to learn some cool facts about the Peregrine Falcon? Great, you’ve come to the right place!
Peregrine Falcons are medium-sized predatory birds that can be found on all continents except Antarctica. They can be found in North America from the southernmost tip of Florida to the northernmost parts of Alaska. Even though most people in the U.S., they are just passing through when they move.
I have always been most interested in Peregrines. Since I was a little kid, I’ve always heard that they were “the fastest animal on Earth.” Okay, no more facts about Peregrine Falcons until we get to the list of facts about Peregrine Falcons.
PEREGRINE FALCON FACTS
The Peregrine Falcon is the most famous bird in falconry, which is the training of flying predators for hunting. Peregrines are the fastest birds and the fastest animals on earth, reaching speeds of over 200 mph when they jump for their prey. Some sources say that it can go up to 240 mph.
- The Peregrine Falcon is one of the birds with the widest range on Earth. It can be found on all landmasses except Antarctica. The Barn Owl is another bird of prey that you can’t get away from. The oldest Peregrine we know of lived for 19 years and 9 months. In 1992, the bird was found in Minnesota, and in 2012, it was found in a similar state.
- After World War II, the increased use of the pesticide DDT brought the Peregrine population in North America very close to extinction.
- Through efforts to protect them all over the country by groups like The Peregrine Fund, they have bounced back and are no longer in danger. The population status of peregrines is “Least Concern” at the moment
Peregrines that move may fly more than 15,000 miles each year to get to their new homes and back.
- Even though they sometimes eat mice and reptiles, Peregrines only eat other birds. When they jump from above to catch other birds, their incredible speed helps them.
The Peregrine Falcon can be found in all 50 U.S. states, not just the lower 48. It can also be found in Hawaii and Alaska.
- Their scientific name is Falco peregrinus anatum, which means “Duck Peregrine Falcon.” This is why they are usually called “the Duck sell.”
Peregrine Falcons live in many of the United States’ National Parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Acadia, Rocky Mountain, Zion, Grand Teton, Crater Lake, and Shenandoah, to name a few.
- Peregrine’s mate stays with him for life and always goes back to the same place to live every year.
- Male Peregrine Falcons are called “tiercels,” and their young are called “eyases.” The bird of prey is only the name for the female.
- About 23,000 Peregrine Falcons are thought to live in the United States right now.
- The peregrine has 19 subspecies, one of which is the American peregrine, or peregrine anatum.
