Peregrine Falcons: The Need For Speed

Falco peregrinus, otherwise known as Peregrine Falcons, are the world’s fastest organism.

It is able to fly at speed of over 385 kilometers (240 miles) per hour. They use this speed to attack both prey and predators. The peregrine falcons are not big in size, only having a length of 30 to 60 centimeters. Their speed, however, enables them to maneuver quickly and gives them more power when they capture another bird.

The shape of a peregrine also enables it to dive at high speeds. The wings of the raptors bend over their backs, making them a more aerodynamic shape. This helps them achieve this velocity.

The peregrines also have adapted features that make it easier to fly at the high speeds. Firstly, they have a very keen eyesight that enables them to see prey up to 1.6 kilometers away. That would be like seeing a pigeon 17 football fields away. The falcons also have to focus on the target while move at great speeds, a feat that seems impossible. They also have a special part in their nose called a nare. This helps the falcon breathe through the big changes of air pressure.

Peregrine falcons are my favorite animals for these reasons. They are able to fly at fast speeds and tolerate the high air pressure. They have very interesting adaptations. And the baby falcons are so adorable. Peregrine falcon populations decreased when the use of DDT was not regulated. Now, they have come back to a stable and increasing population. These amazing birds live all around us, in every continent but Antartica, so peel your eyes, one could be living nearby!

A peregrine falcon in a stoop (Source: physicsworld.com, Courtesy: Robin Mills)

Speed: 240 mph (Maximum, Large Adult)

Wingspan: 2.4 – 3.9 ft. (Large Adult)

Scientific name: Falco peregrinus

Class: Aves

Mass: Female: 1.5 – 3.3 lbs (Large Adult), Male: 0.73 – 2.2 lbs (Large Adult)

Did you know: Some peregrine falcons will use man-made structures such as bridges and skyscrapers to nest.

Some additional resources for learning more about these wonderful creatures:

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/peregrine-falcon#

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/overview

Want more natural history and wildlife videos? Visit the official BBC Earth channel: http://bit.ly/BBCEarthWW BBC Earth The BBC Earth YouTube channel is home to over 50 years-worth of the best animal videos from the BBC archive. With three new videos released every week there's something for all nature loves from astounding animal behaviour to beautiful imagery.

Higher speeds let them generate more turning force. Learn more: https://scim.ag/2HtRJQ7 Read the paper: http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006044 CREDITS: producer Sarah Crespi script and story Katie Langin citation Robin Mills et al. PLOS Computational Biology 2018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006044 falcon simulation video and stills Robin Mills falcon-cam footage C. H.