Peregrine falcons, the largest falcons that are found in Surrey, are absolutely fascinating because of the characteristics of their anatomy and their super speed! Their maximum wingspan is 1.2 metres, their length is usually about 40 to 54 centimetres, their weight is about 670 grams to 1100 grams and their average life expectancy is six years.

The full taxonomic rank of peregrine falcons is: domain- Eukaryota; kingdom- Animalia; phylum- Chordata; class- Aves; order- Falconiformes; family- Falconidae; genus- Falco; species- peregrinus. So, their binomial name is simply Falco peregrinus. Both peregrine falcons and humans are in the phylum, Chordata. Therefore, the most recent common ancestor of peregrine falcons and humans was a “Chordata”. This animal lived approximately 310 million to 330 million years ago.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals ever with the world record speed of 242 miles per hour in a dive! This is about 3.5 times the top speed of a cheetah- 70 miles per hour. They usually have a G-force of 25G in a stoop. This is about 7.5 times greater than the maximum G-force in the Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Despite their speed, on average, only 20 percent of their attacks are accurate.

What is their spacial distribution? When you think about this question, you have to think about the global scale- they are found on every single continent except Antarctica!

Through the process of natural selection, peregrine falcons have interesting characteristics. These include: an efficient respiratory system that helps them to beat their wings up to four times per second; an aerodynamic torso and pointed ends on their wings to reduce air resistance in dives; baffles- cone-shaped bones near their nostrils- to stop the high wind pressure from causing their lungs to collapse (similar structures are built into plane engines); eyes that can identify prey from three kilometres away; and a nictitating membrane, “a third eyelid” to protect their eyes during a dive. If there is more UV light from the sun in a certain climate, there is a greater area of dark blue on their head to prevent blindness.

They do not have a particular habitat but they will always nest near places with an abundance of prey. Speaking of prey... These birds of prey have a very varied diet but they mostly feed on small birds.

In conclusion, I am fascinated by this amazing bird of prey!

By Dominic