Peregrine Falcons are the largest falcon over most of the continent, with long, pointed wings and a long tail. Be sure to look at shape as well as size—long primary feathers give the Peregrine a long-winged shape.
Do peregrine falcons have feathers?
How can you tell a peregrine falcon?
What do peregrine falcons look like? Peregrine falcons have dark slate-grey upperparts with a lighter area on the lower back. The underparts are white and the lower breast and belly are grey with black bars. They have long pointed wings with black and white bars and the tail has grey and white bars.
How many feathers do peregrine falcons have?
Like most birds, diurnal birds of prey have ten primary flight feathers on each wing, along with 14 to 25 secondaries (falcons typically have 16), and 12 or 14 tail feathers.
What features does a peregrine falcon have?
The peregrine is a large and powerful falcon. It has long, broad, pointed wings and a relatively short tail. It is blue-grey above, with a blackish top of the head and an obvious black 'moustache' that contrasts with its white face. Its breast is finely barred.
What is unique about peregrine falcons?
Peregrine falcons are the fastest creatures on the planet, reaching speeds of over 321 kph (200 mph) as they dive to catch their prey. They are also one of the most adaptable and can thrive in urban areas surrounded by humans.
What are baby peregrine falcons called?
eyases After hatching, the chicks (called "eyases") are covered with creamy-white down and have disproportionately large feet. The male (called the "tiercel") and the female (simply called the "falcon") both leave the nest to gather prey to feed the young.
What does it mean when you see a peregrine falcon?
Celtic folklore speaks of the peregrine falcon symbolism as an omen to being careful and keeping your eyes open to possible dangers. It is considered a spirit that travels between worlds and brings messages from the other side. This information was usually what a person should change in his life, or linger upon.
Is a peregrine falcon a raptor?
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), also known as the peregrine, and historically as the duck hawk in North America, is a cosmopolitan bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae.
Is a peregrine falcon faster than a cheetah?
The fastest land animal is the cheetah, which has a recorded speed of between 109.4 km/h (68.0 mph) and 128 km/h (80 mph) with the fastest reliable speed being 98 km/h (61 mph). The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, and the fastest member of the animal kingdom, with a diving speed of 389 km/h (242 mph).