Peregrine Falcon: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Hawks and Falcons · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. Some sources say a diving peregrine can top 320 km/h. If that is right, no animal on Earth is faster.
2. In cities, peregrines treat skyscrapers like natural cliffs and nest in a scrape on tall buildings.
3. City peregrines exploit the plentiful pigeons and ducks, with feral pigeons a reliable staple food.
4. Female peregrines can be up to 30 % larger and often weigh about 50 % more than their breeding partners.
5. The dark patch under a peregrine's eye is the malar stripe. Birds in sunnier places have a broader one, which researchers say reduces glare.

The quiz

1. What speed do some sources claim for a peregrine's stoop?

• Over 32 km/h
• Over 120 km/h
• Over 220 km/h
• Over 320 km/h (correct)

Some sources state over 320 km/h during its stoop.

2. What do city peregrines treat like natural cliffs?

• Parked cars
• Skyscrapers (correct)
• Church bells
• Power lines

They treat skyscrapers like natural cliffs.

3. Which bird is a reliable staple food for city peregrines?

• Sparrows
• Swifts
• Crows
• Feral pigeons (correct)

Feral pigeons are a reliable staple food.

4. How much more do females often weigh than their partners?

• About 5 %
• About 15 %
• About 50 % (correct)
• About 200 %

They often weigh about 50 % more.

5. What does the malar stripe seem to reduce?

• Glare (correct)
• Wind noise
• Heat loss
• Drag

Researchers concluded the broader stripe reduces glare.

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