PEREGRINE FALCON

There are 7 kinds of falcons but the Peregrine is the fastest of them all. The word Peregrine in Latin means Traveling or wanderer. The Australian Peregrine Falcon is a fierce hunter which preys mainly on birds smaller than itself. When Falcons dive on to their prey they can reach a speed up to 280 km per hour.  It has been known to attack and kill ducks. These falcons sometimes hunt together with butcher birds. 

 It is found all over Australia except for tropical forests. They are found in deserts and Arctic tundras, and along seacoasts. It prefers semi-wooded areas and grasslands. They were once found throughout most of the world but are now rare in many areas. People cannot hunt falcons by law.

BREEDING

People that own falcons usually teach them to catch other birds for them. Baby falcons are white and fluffy when they are young. Falcons nests are either on a Cliffside a hollow tree, near rivers and lakes, in mountains or even on top of city buildings. Both male and female help raise the chicks.   The Peregrine Falcons lays their eggs on Cliffside's and lay about 1-3 eggs.

FACT FILE

SIZE: This falcon can measure up to 50 cm long.

COLOUR: It is dark blue or bluish- grey above and has white to pink under-parts marked with blackish - brown bars.

FEATURES: Peregrine Falcons have a hooked beak and powerful feet with strong claws. The beak has saw-like edges and notches. Falcons have dark eyes, long, pointed wings  that curve in a sickle shape.