The great kestrel has the fastest swooping speed in the world, up to 300 km/h, far exceeding the speed of the fastest land animal, the leopard (120 km/h).
A large kestrel swoops down in mid-air. Image: Wirestock Creators
Scientists believe that the great kestrel can fly even faster than the discovered record and reach a speed comparable to a bullet train (320 km/h). The falcon’s breakneck speed is an essential part of its hunting strategy. This bird of prey often swoops down to attack targets in mid-air. According to the Audubon Society, peregrine falcons primarily eat other birds. Individuals living near cities often eat pigeons, while ducks and seabirds are a favorite food of coastal populations.
According to the National Park Service, the peregrine falcon’s name is of Latin origin. They are a cosmopolitan bird, living on every continent except Antarctica. The three subspecies that can be found in North America include the continental peregrine falcon, arctic peregrine falcon, and peregrine falcon. They live commonly in mountain ranges such as the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.
Like many animals, peregrine falcons are negatively affected by humans. They were placed on the endangered species list in the 20th century after pesticides such as DDT caused population declines. Currently, the great peregrine falcon has escaped danger thanks to efforts to reduce chemical use, helping the number of birds increase again.
However, recent reports show that the number of peregrine falcons in the United States is decreasing for the first time since the 1970s. In some areas, about half of peregrine falcons disappeared last year. Researchers have proposed several explanations for this trend, from pesticides to reduced prey due to influenza, but the true cause remains unknown.