Bird 🦅
🦅
Falco peregrinus
| Size | 36–48 cm About the size of a large crow |
|---|---|
| Weight | 600 g–1.3 kg About the weight of a tin of paint |
| Lifespan | 15 years |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| M vs F | Females (falcons) are noticeably larger than males (tiercels) — up to 50% heavier |
| Habitat | Coastal cliffs, moorland crags; increasingly nesting on city cathedral towers and tall buildings |
| Best time | Year-round; nest sites active February–July |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
The Peregrine is the fastest animal on Earth — reaching over 320 km/h in a hunting stoop dive, faster than a Formula 1 car at top speed
The Peregrine is the fastest animal on Earth — reaching over 320 km/h in a hunting stoop dive, faster than a Formula 1 car at top speed
More for experts
To withstand the aerodynamic pressure at extreme dive speeds, Peregrines have a small tubercle inside each nostril that deflects airflow and prevents lung damage
Often confused with
Hobby (smaller, swift-like, rufous thighs), Merlin (tiny, compact — moorland), Kestrel (hovers, rusty back)
Hobby (smaller, swift-like, rufous thighs), Merlin (tiny, compact — moorland), Kestrel (hovers, rusty back)