Peregrine falcons in North America
This description focuses on the peregrine falcons that inhabit North America. These birds of prey are the fastest animals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph when they dive to catch their prey. They are found in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to mountain
The peregrine falcon, also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae known for its speed. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and a black head. As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. Historically, the bird has also been known as the "black-cheeked falcon" in Australia and the "duck hawk" in North America.