Peregrines are the fastest animals in the world. They are believed to achieve speeds approaching 200km/h (124mph) when plunging from the sky after prey. One has been logged by radar at 183km/h (114mph) after a dive of 305m (1,000ft).

Statistics
Peregrine falcons have a body length of 34-50cm, a wingspan of 80-120cm and weigh 0.5-1.5kg.

Physical description
Their plumage is variable, with dark to light grey upper-parts and buff under-parts, barred with dark grey. They have a white chin and cheeks, with a conspicuous moustache. Peregrines have a distinctive anchor-shape when in flight, due to their long wings and short tail. Females are much larger than the males. Juveniles have brown upper-parts and streaky under-parts.

Distribution
Peregrines are widespread. They breed in the Arctic tundra, Europe, North America, Africa, South America, the Pacific Islands and Australia.

Habitat
They utilise a wide variety of habitats, including wide open spaces and urban areas.

Diet
Peregrines feed almost exclusively on birds, but they occasionally hunt small mammals, including bats, rats, voles and rabbits. Insects and reptiles make up a very small proportion of their diet.

Behaviour
They hunt other birds at great speeds, often rising above their prey and then stooping down for the kill. Arctic and north temperate populations are migratory.

Reproduction
Females lay 2-4 eggs in a scrape made on cliff edges or on the ground. They sometimes nest in tree hollows or in the disused nest of other large birds. The laying date varies according to locality, but in the UK, is from February to March. The females incubate the eggs for 29-32 days, and after they hatch, the male provides most of the food. The chicks fledge after 35-42 days, but tend to remain dependant on their parents for a further two months.

Conservation status
They are not considered to be globally threatened. During the Second World War the British Air Ministry ordered the destruction of peregrines due to the threat they posed to carrier pigeons. In the 60s and 70s they suffered from the effects of pesticides such as DDT, but since these organophosphates have been banned, their numbers have increased. They are now breeding in built-up areas, including London.

Voice
Peregrines are typically silent, but when alarmed, they emit a harsh chattering note.