The Peregrine Falcon, a bird of prey renowned as the fastest animal on Earth, is an aerial hunter whose diet consists almost entirely of other birds. This raptor is a specialized predator that has evolved to intercept flying targets with breathtaking speed and precision.
Primary Prey: A Specialist Avian Diet
The Peregrine Falcon’s diet is overwhelmingly ornithological, with scientific studies consistently showing that between 77% and 99% of its prey items are other bird species. This makes the falcon an avivore, an animal whose primary food source is birds. The sheer variety of its menu is notable, with an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 bird species documented as prey worldwide, reflecting the falcon’s cosmopolitan distribution across nearly every continent.
The size of the prey varies significantly, ranging from small songbirds and hummingbirds to larger fowl like ducks, gulls, and even small geese, though the falcon typically targets birds smaller than itself. Common victims in urban environments include pigeons and starlings, which provide a reliable and abundant food source. Along coastlines and migratory routes, shorebirds and waterfowl become the dominant prey.
The Stoop: Hunting Strategy and Speed
The signature hunting technique of the Peregrine Falcon is the “stoop,” a high-speed dive executed from a great altitude that makes it the fastest animal known to science. The falcon first ascends, sometimes soaring up to 3,000 feet, to gain the necessary height advantage before initiating the attack. To achieve maximum velocity, the falcon pulls its wings tightly against its body, transforming into a streamlined shape that dramatically reduces aerodynamic drag.
During this near-vertical plunge, Peregrine Falcons have been clocked at diving speeds that regularly exceed 200 mph, with the fastest recorded stoop reaching approximately 242 mph (390 km/h). This extreme speed provides the falcon with superior maneuverability, allowing it to generate the aerodynamic forces needed to execute precise turns and track an agile, evading target. The falcon possesses a specialized bony tubercle inside its nostrils that helps manage the intense air pressure, preventing lung damage during the dive.
The attack itself is a powerful mid-air collision where the falcon typically strikes the prey with a clenched foot, delivering a massive blow that stuns or kills the victim instantly. The falcon then circles back to catch the falling bird in its talons before carrying it to a nearby perch to feed. The use of tall structures, such as natural cliffs, skyscrapers, and bridges, provides the ideal high-altitude launch points.
Exceptions to the Menu
While the falcon’s diet is heavily focused on birds, non-avian prey occasionally supplements its meals, though these instances represent a small fraction of its total intake. Small mammals are the most frequent exception, particularly bats, which are sometimes caught during the falcon’s crepuscular hunting hours. In some areas, bats, voles, squirrels, and small rodents may account for up to a few percent of the overall diet.
In rare cases, especially when avian prey is scarce, the Peregrine Falcon may also consume reptiles, amphibians, or large insects. Younger, less experienced falcons are more likely to attempt to catch these ground-dwelling or slow-moving items.