You may know this speedy bird because of it’s astounding talent to go over 390km/h when diving at full speed to catch prey. It is very well known not just for it’s speed but It’s quite easy to see because of the peregrine’s huge population
Size
Their body is around 34 to 54cm long, They have a wingspan of 74 to 120cm wide and a weight of 0.33-1kg for a male and 0.7-1.5kg for a female. Females are on average about 30% larger than males.
Location
The peregrine’s can be found in every continent apart from Antarctica. It is not common in most of Russia, Greenland, Central Africa, and most of Brazil. It’s habitat includes mountains, forests, cities, valleys and deserts. If there is an abundance of prey then they will try to adapt to the place.
Population
The majestic peregrine has a huge population all around the globe because of its brilliant ability to adapt to many habitats. The total world population of peregrines is around 248,000-478,000 mature individuals in the wild therefore their status would be least concern. Approximately 13% of the world’s population is in Europe.
Falconidae Family Group
The peregrine falcon is classified in the family group Falconidae. Other animals in falconidae include 16 types of falcons, 4 types of kestrels, hobbies, merlins, and caracaras. This family typically has curved beaks, brown eyes, and a yellow cere.
Diet
Peregrines have adapted to hunt a huge variety of prey. Their favorite food is birds such as small woodland species or sometimes as big as geese. If these prey are not around the area they will hunt waders, gulls, ducks, and even rabbits and bats.
Predators
Humans do hunt peregrines but their main predators are usually larger-bodied raptors including large owls, eagles, and gyrfalcons. The most common predators of nests in Europe and America are great horned owls and Eurasian eagle owls.
Fun Facts
Did you know that a peregrine has a third eyelid to protect their eyes when they are diving at full speed becase if they did not, their eyesight would not be good so they would not be able to hunt.
Check out my other images of steep holm here
