1. Peregrine is Latin for "foreigner" or "traveler”

Peregrine falcon range spans nearly every continent except Antarctica making it one of the widest distributions of any bird species.

They migrate thousands of miles each year between breeding and wintering grounds. Some Arctic populations travel all the way to South America, while others remain resident in temperate zones year-round.

2. It’s the fastest animal on Earth

They’re capable of diving at over 200 miles per hour when stooping toward prey. The fastest on record has been 300mph! Its slender body, long pointed wings, and powerful muscles make it perfectly designed for speed and precision in flight.

Peregrine falcon size: a peregrine falcon only weighs 1-3 pounds and is roughly the size of a crow, yet can reach speeds up to 69 mph in pursuit of prey (not diving).

3. They mainly eats other birds

As carnivores they mostly feed on birds along shores, pigeons, songbirds, and the like.

Peregrine falcons occasionally eat bats and steal prey, like fish, from other raptors, too.

4. Peregrine Falcon Habitat

Typical peregrine falcon habitat includes open landscapes such as cliffs, mountains, and coastal regions where prey nests.

A peregrine falcon in Michigan may choose to nest near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or on tall buildings like in downtown Mount Clemens. Peregrine Falcons can also be found in cities like Chicago or New York City.

Related: Winter Birds in Michigan

5. They don’t build normal nests

A peregrine falcon nest is actually a “scrape” which is a shallow depression in gravel, sand, or cliff ledges. A female falcon typically lays 3–4 eggs per season, and both parents take turns incubating them.

6. Peregrine Falcons can attack people

Nesting peregrine falcons are exceptionally territorial during the breeding season.

If they feel their nest is threatened they’ll attack leaving someone critically injured or even killed. National parks are known to shut down trails when the falcons are nesting as a precaution.

7. Peregrine Falcons used to be endangered

The use of DDT poisoned adult peregrine falcons and caused their egg shells to thin which prevented them from developing. Since the ban of DDT in the 1970s, their population has recovered and has been delisted as an endangered species.

Their ability to adapt to different climates and landscapes has helped it thrive after near-extinction in the mid-20th century.

8. Their nostrils have baffles

Nostril baffles, a.k.a. tubercles, allow them to breathe during their incredibly fast dives. Tubercles are small cone shaped bones that protrude out to deflect shockwaves of air away, without which would rupture a peregrine falcon’s lungs during their high speed flights.

9. They hunt by flying high above their prey

Peregrine falcons hunt by stooping which is when they dive for their prey during flight.

It flies high above its prey before it folds its wings and dives down like a bullet.

10. Females are larger than males

In most species, the male birds are bigger than the female birds. Female peregrine falcons can weigh about 50% more, and males are around ⅓ smaller. Most female raptors are actually bigger than the males.

11. They mate for life

Peregrine falcons are lifetime monogamists.

Other birds that mate for life include penguins, bald eagles, and pigeons. Peregrine falcons also practice site fidelity and return to their nesting spots each year.

12. They’re related to parrots

Despite the nickname “duck hawks” peregrine falcons are more closely related to parrots than to hawks or eagles– who are on a different evolutionary branch.

Related: Bird Watching Groups in Michigan

13. Peregrine falcons live an average of 13 years

Some reach up to 20 years in the wild. It’s common for many not to survive– after all nature can be harsh.

14. Peregrine falcon young grow tenfold in 3 weeks

They double their birth weight in just 6 days!

Their rapid growth allows them to take flight in as little as 40 days after hatching. A human infant, for comparison, will take about 6 months to double their weight.

15. Peregrine Falcons coordinate with partners to defend territory

The peregrine falcon call is sharp, loud, and often described as a rapid “kek-kek-kek.”

These sounds are used for communication between mates or to warn intruders near their nesting site. They use distinctive cries to defend territory and coordinate with their partner during breeding season especially.