Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a common falcons and caracara found in 211 countries, weighing about 760 g. The peregrine falcon, also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae known for its speed.
About the Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon, also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae known for its speed. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and a black head. As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. Historically, the bird has also been known as the "black-cheeked falcon" in Australia and the "duck hawk" in North America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in). The male and female have similar markings and plumage but, as with many birds of prey, the peregrine falcon displays marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male. Males weigh 330 to 1,000 g (12–35 oz) and the noticeably larger females weigh 700 to 1,500 g (25–53 oz).
What the Peregrine Falcon sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Burundi, São Tomé & Príncipe, Guam.
When to see it
The Peregrine Falcon can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Peregrine Falcon on live cams
- Cal Falcons, UC Berkeley CampanileBerkeley, California, USA · Streaming now
- Chesapeake Peregrine Falcon CamChesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA · Streaming now
- Great Spirit Bluff FalconsLa Crescent, Minnesota, USA · Returns March
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Peregrine Falcon?
- The peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Peregrine Falcon?
- The Peregrine Falcon is a large sized bird weighing about 760 g.
- Where can you see a Peregrine Falcon?
- The Peregrine Falcon occurs in 211 countries, including the United States, Sweden, Canada, France and Norway.
- What does a Peregrine Falcon sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Peregrine Falcon on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Peregrine Falcon?
- The Peregrine Falcon is most easily confused with the Merlin, the Common Kestrel and the Eurasian Hobby.
- Is the Peregrine Falcon endangered?
- The Peregrine Falcon is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Peregrine Falcon for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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