Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus · Falcons and Caracaras
The Peregrine Falcon is a powerful and swift raptor found across nearly all continents, renowned for its incredible speed. This crow-sized falcon is a highly skilled aerial hunter, often seen in dramatic dives. Its remarkable recovery from mid-20th century population declines due to pesticides stands as a significant conservation success story.
Explore the full field guideGlobal residentMedium-large sizeHarsh callsAvian diet
2 calls·first heard Jul 7·last 84d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults have a slate-blue to grayish-black back and head, with a prominent dark malar stripe resembling a mustache. Underparts are whitish, often with fine dark barring.
- Juveniles typically appear browner on their upperparts and have buffy underparts with heavy dark streaking, which fades to whitish by spring.
- In flight, Peregrine Falcons exhibit long, pointed wings and a relatively long tail, enabling their characteristic fast, powerful flight.
- Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males, a common trait among raptors that prey on other birds.