Peregrine falcons are fierce predators, and their unmistakable appearance is often compared to that of a biker or a pilot. These raptors, or birds of prey, have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, and a buff-colored underside with brown spots. The part that makes them look like a biker or pilot? Their heads are covered with mostly black feathers in the shape of a helmet, and they have the dark feathers around their beaks that look a lot like a mustache. However funny looking that may sound, these birds are no joke. Known as the fastest creatures in the air, peregrine falcons have been recorded diving through the air at speeds of more than 200mph (320 kph)!  

What and How They Eat: Known for their high-speed diving and aerial agility, it is no surprise that the main technique for catching prey is in mid-air. Peregrine falcons usually feed on other birds, as well as bats. They also eat mammals, insects, and reptiles, but to a much lesser extent.

Making Babies: Peregrine falcons mate for life. In an attempt to court a female, a male falcon will try to impress her with fascinating aerial displays. They then make a nest (or scrape) on ledges and in small caves located high on a cliff. Sometimes, these birds make use of manmade structures like bridges and skyscrapers. The female lays about 3-4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about one month. During the breeding seasons, peregrine falcons are extremely territorial and will defend their nests vigorously against any possible predators.

In about a month, the baby peregrine falcons, called eyasses, are covered by white down. In about 3-5 weeks, this down is replaced by feathers, and it is about that time when they first learn to fly. Parents encourage their young to fly by "baiting" them with food, which is now not-so-neatly prepared.

Juvenile falcons look a lot like their parents, except the front of they are more brownish and their chest is more streaked, not barred. Juveniles become adults when they are 3 years old, at which time they start looking for their forever mate.

Peregrine Falcon Stats:

Peregrine Falcon Interesting Facts:

• Friendly Birds: Although peregrine falcons look pretty mean, they have actually been characterized as naturally docile.
• Falconry: Falconry is the practice of using birds of prey to hunt game for humans. Because of the peregrine falcons laid back demeanor, these birds easily lent themselves to training by humans. Clearly, people realized that the falcon's hunting prowess is a valuable asset when hunting for food.
• The Fastest Bird in the World: That's right! The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on record! This raptor easily reaches cruising speeds of 65-68mph and can be recorded diving in the air at 200mph. The fastest speed ever recorded for the peregrine falcon was a whopping 242.3mph (390 km/h)! 

Threats to the Peregrine Falcon:

• Humans: Peregrine falcons were in sharp decline in the mid-20th century due to DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichlorethane), a pesticide. DDT and DDE (a breakdown product of DDT) would cause eggshell thinning, resulting in the eggshell breaking while being incubated. Since the ban of DDT as a pesticide in the 1970s, peregrine falcon populations have risen. 
• Natural Predators: Peregrine falcons have few natural predators, but great-horned owls and golden eagles will occasionally kill the young.  

How You Can Help

• Reduce Human Impact: Because Peregrine Falcons are so high on the food chain, they are especially susceptible to foreign intrusions into their environment. Although they've shown great adaptability with human expansion, let us not forget that it was human impact that nearly wiped away the species. Reduce your footprint by recycling and properly disposing of any garbage.  
• Help Support Conservation Efforts: Help support conservation efforts made by local organizations.

1 products

Organic Toddler T-Shirt (white)
2T - $22.79 4T - $22.79 6T - $22.79