Home, near and far.
This species boasts a nearly global distribution, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. In North America, it ranges from Alaska and Greenland south to Mexico, with both resident and migratory populations.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Falcons and Caracaras
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
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.
Global residentMedium-large sizeHarsh callsAvian diet
- Wingspan
- 100-112 cm
- Weight
- 500-1398 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Adult Plumage
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.
- 02
Juvenile Plumage
Juveniles typically appear browner on their upperparts and have buffy underparts with heavy dark streaking, which fades to whitish by spring.
- 03
Flight Profile
In flight, Peregrine Falcons exhibit long, pointed wings and a relatively long tail, enabling their characteristic fast, powerful flight.
- 04
Size Dimorphism
Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males, a common trait among raptors that prey on other birds.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Peregrine Falcons inhabit a wide array of open environments, from tundra and deserts to coastlines and urban centers. They are often found near water and require tall structures for nesting, such as cliffs or tall buildings.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Northern breeding populations are typically long-distance migrants, often traveling to Central and South America. Other populations, particularly in temperate regions and along the northwest coast, may be permanent residents.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
When agitated, Peregrine Falcons emit a loud, harsh, and nasal series of calls.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
The diet of the Peregrine Falcon consists almost entirely of other birds, ranging in size from small songbirds to ducks and shorebirds. In urban areas, pigeons are a common food source.
Peregrines hunt by soaring high above their prey, then executing a spectacular, high-speed dive known as a 'stoop.' They strike their prey in mid-air, often killing it with a powerful blow.
A place to begin.
Nests are typically shallow scrapes on ledges of tall cliffs, though they readily adapt to human-made structures like bridges and skyscrapers in urban environments. They usually lay 3-4 eggs.
The little routines.
Peregrine Falcons are generally solitary outside of the breeding season. During nesting, pairs are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nest sites from intruders.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The Peregrine Falcon is widely considered the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its hunting stoop.
The species experienced severe population declines in the mid-20th century due to the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning.
Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction programs, led to a significant recovery, and the species was delisted from endangered status in many areas.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Merlin
Falco columbariusMerlins are significantly smaller than Peregrine Falcons and generally lack the prominent dark helmet and malar stripe.
Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolusGyrfalcons are larger and more robust, typically found in Arctic regions, and exhibit a different plumage pattern without the strong dark cap and malar.
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanusPrairie Falcons are paler overall, with less distinct facial markings and often show dark 'armpits' in flight, which Peregrines lack.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.