When it comes to speed, the peregrine falcon is the clear winner. Capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph when diving for prey, the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world and one of the fastest animals on the planet.
Fastest Falcons
There are around 40 different species of falcon found worldwide. While the peregrine falcon is the overall speed champion, several other falcon species are also incredibly fast flyers.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is renowned for its speed and aerial acrobatics. When hunting, peregrines will fly very high and then go into a steep, swift dive called a stoop. During the stoop, they can reach speeds over 200 mph, although the average is closer to 60-70 mph. Peregrines primarily feed on other birds which they catch while stooping.
Maximum Speed | 242 mph |
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Average Speed | 60-70 mph |
Wingspan | 3.5-4 ft |
Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species. It breeds in arctic and subarctic regions of the world. Similar to the peregrine, the gyrfalcon will go into a steep dive when hunting. It can reach speeds over 200 mph in a stoop, although its typical hunting speed is 20-30 mph.
Maximum Speed | 209 mph |
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Average Speed | 20-30 mph |
Wingspan | 3.5-4.5 ft |
Saker Falcon
The saker falcon (Falco cherrug) inhabits open grasslands throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. An adept hunter, the saker falcon can reach speeds over 120 mph when diving after prey like smaller birds, mammals, and reptiles. Their average flight speed is around 30-40 mph.
Maximum Speed | 121 mph |
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Average Speed | 30-40 mph |
Wingspan | 2.5-3 ft |
Fastest Diving Speeds
When diving to catch prey, falcons can reach incredibly fast speeds. Here are the top speed records for the fastest falcon species:
Species | Fastest Recorded Diving Speed |
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Peregrine Falcon | 242 mph |
Gyrfalcon | 209 mph |
Lanner Falcon | 186 mph |
Saker Falcon | 121 mph |
As these numbers show, the peregrine falcon is far and away the fastest diving falcon. While other species have reached speeds over 200 mph, peregrines hold the official record at 242 mph.
Fastest Horizontal Speed
Diving speeds aside, horizontal flight speed is also important for falcons when cruising around hunting or migrating. Here are the estimated top horizontal flight speeds for the fastest falcon species:
Species | Fastest Recorded Horizontal Speed |
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Peregrine Falcon | 69 mph |
Gyrfalcon | 65 mph |
Saker Falcon | 47 mph |
Lanner Falcon | 44 mph |
For sustained horizontal flight, the peregrine falcon once again comes out on top with estimated speeds over 60 mph. The gyrfalcon and saker falcon also clock in with impressive horizontal flight speeds.
What Makes Falcons So Fast?
There are several key adaptations that allow falcons to reach such blistering speeds when diving:
Streamlined Body Shape
Falcons have an aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped body that minimizes drag as they hurtle through the air. Their tapered wings and narrow tail help them maintain speed and stability.
Lightweight yet Strong Bones
A falcon’s bones are hollow, making them lightweight for their size. Yet their bones are also very strong to withstand the impact of high-speed collisions.
Powerful Chest Muscles
To propel their rapid dives, falcons have incredibly powerful pectoral muscles that make up 20% of their total body weight. They use these muscles to flap their wings at high speeds.
Directional Head Positioning
A bony ridge over their eyes helps falcons lock their gaze on prey during dives. Special blood vessels in their heads prevent them from passing out at high g-forces.
Pointed Wings
Falcon wings are pointed which reduces drag and turbulence, allowing them to slice through the air smoothly.
Hunting Adaptations
In addition to their speed, falcons possess other adaptations that make them expert hunters:
- Excellent eyesight – Allows them to spot prey from far away
- Curved beaks – Ideal for tearing into prey
- Strong talons – For seizing and killing prey
- Rear-facing scales on legs – Prevents injuries when diving at high speeds
Threats to Survival
Many falcon species face threats that endanger their future survival. These include:
- Habitat loss from development
- Climate change disrupting nesting and prey patterns
- Poisoning from pesticides and prey ingestion
- Electrocution from power lines
- Illegal trapping for falconry
Conservation efforts are needed to protect fragile falcon populations and preserve these majestic, high-speed hunters.
Conclusion
Renowned for its speed, the peregrine falcon can exceed 200 mph when diving, making it the fastest bird in the world. Its powerful flight muscles, streamlined body, and pointed wings allow it to stoop at phenomenal speeds to catch prey. While species like the gyrfalcon and saker falcon can also reach speeds over 100 mph, no bird comes close to matching the peregrine falcon for sheer velocity and acceleration while hunting. With numerous adaptations that aid its aerial abilities, the peregrine falcon has rightfully earned the title of fastest falcon on Earth.