Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Peregrine Falcon
Let us learn about the Bird that is feisty as they hunt during their flight but also are romantic singers.
I track the prey easily with my keen sight,
Then reach out to the prey with my fastest Flight,
‘Tomial tooth’ helps me grab the prey in one Bite.
(Tomial tooth is present on upper beak that bites the prey)
Name– Peregrine Falcon.
Scientific Name– Falco peregrinus
Size– 1.5 feet.
Distribution and Habitat
On the wide-open terrain, a bird is walking living out its daily activities and at the next minute, it is swooped down, grabbed and fed by the fastest bird that ever exists. A Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal that is found in Open terrains, Mountains, Coastal regions or even in cities of the Indian Subcontinent, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and North and South America.
What makes Peregrine Falcon the Fastest Bird?
This is a Bullet shaped bird with long pointed bluish-grey wings and a round tail. The underparts are white with horizontal grey streaks. Peregrine Falcon feed on Birds. Once this Bird spots its prey, which can be 1 mile apart, it tracks its movement. Then swoop down towards it at 180 kph speed and grabs the prey. The bird catches prey with its Yellow Talons(Feet). The prey is caught and bit with a ‘Tomial tooth’ present on the Falcon’s beak. This tooth is sharp and present on the upper mandible (beak) and quickly bites the prey on their spinal/neck areas which results in an immediate kill. The fastest flight will breathe the freezing air, but Peregrine Falcon has a Baffles or Turbination on their nostrils that warm up the breathing air during flight. This bird is very well adapted to the fastest flight.
Lifecycle of Peregrine Falcon.
The Breeding season is from March to May. The 1-year-old Falcon is ready to display their courtship flight in circles. They even fly in the ‘8’ position and pass the caught food to the female in mid-air. The female will follow the male flight and flies upside down to receive the food from the male talons (feet). Peregrine Falcon is Monogamous; they remain faithful to one partner. Female Peregrine Falcon chooses the nest site, which can be either located on the Cliff edge. She scrapes the vegetation, sand and stones or gravel present at the site and lay 3-4 eggs. The nest can be also a used stick nest on the tree. Incubation is for 29-32 days. The young falcons learn to fly and hunt at their own pace.
Lifespan and Threats
Peregrine Falcons can face threats from Hunting, stealing eggs and feeding on a pesticide-poisoned habitat. Peregrine Falcon is the top predator of the food chain and helps keep the ecosystem balanced.
Also See – Short-eared Owl