Do you know what is the world’s fastest bird?

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What is the world’s fastest bird?
Discover why you really don’t want to be a
pigeon in peregrine falcon territory     
Found on all of the world’s continents apart from Antarctica, the peregrine falcon is one of the most numerous birds of prey out there. And there’s a purpose for its phenomenal success: blistering speed. Pigeons in mid-flight can’t escape the claws of this plummeting speed demon, which can exceed over 320 kilometers per hour. Known as the stoop, this movement sees the falcon climb in altitude before dive-bombing like a feathery torpedo. Peregrine falcons are able to perform this move thanks to some precise physical adaptations. A streamlined body and tapered wings provide unique velocity and thrust, and a razor-sharp beak and talons rarely let prey escape. A special third eyelid protects the bird’s eyes at high speeds, and tubercles in their nostrils stick out like small, bony cones to deflect the rushing air, letting the peregrine to catch its breath.
Each bird requires around 70 grams of food per day – about two blackbirds. However, when a monogamous breeding pair has chicks to feed, this dinner quota rises steeply. In just three weeks the chicks turn to ten times their birth weight. To support this swift growth, the peregrine needs to be a strong hunter to keep the family fed. Here’s how they give the killer blow.

Anatomy of the stoop

1 Scanning the skies for prey
The peregrine falcon prefers wide-open terrain, where it uses its keen sight to spot prey.

2 Target acquired
Occasionally, the falcon will try to hunt down prey in a level pursuit, plucking birds from a large flock.

3 Preparing to launch
When the stoop is needed, falcons use their large, one-meter wingspan to gain more altitude.

4 Position and fire
Stoops can begin 90–900m above their prey. The falcon aims itself and begins its blistering descent.

5 Maximum velocity
With incredible precision, the bird tucks in its wings and descends vertically through the air, reaching over 320km/h.

6 Prey catch
The peregrine slams into its prey from above, with clenched feet. It will then either grasp its prey from the air or let it fall and feed on the ground.

7 Recovery
The falcon is able to close its nose pegs in order to prevent its lungs from bursting at their fast speeds.


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