2020/03/04 by Clayton M. White, Nancy J. Clum, Tom J. Cade +1 · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Immunology and Microbiology · Environmental Science · #Entomological Studies and Ecology #Bird parasitology and diseases #Avian ecology and behavior
paper · doi:10.2173/bow.perfal.01
openalex publication_date 2020/03/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Peregrine falcons, like all falcon species, are designed for speed.With long, pointed wings, a long, tapered tail and flat head, peregrines can attain rapid speeds in powered flight or stoops.Attaining dive speeds of up to 200 M.P.H., the peregrine falcon is the planet's fastest bird.Its wing beats are stiffer and deeper than those of other falcon species.In a soar, they exhibit a soft-angled silhouette resembling that of a cocked bow and arrow.Significant sexual size dimorphism is displayed by peregrine falcons, the females of which can be as much as one-third larger than males.In addition, the crow-sized males are considerably slighter and narrower winged than females.The peregrine falcon's call is a series of quick, loud, kee notes.Adult peregrines are blue-gray above with a dark head and flight feathers and a paler rump.From below, adults are whitish with dark barring on the chest and underwing.Like most falcon species, peregrines show a distinct sideburn or "moustache" mark each side of the face.The cere--the fleshy area behind the base of the bill that contains the nostrils--and legs are yellow, the bill is black, and the eyes are dark brown.Juvenile peregrine falcons are dark slate-brown on the upperside and often show a contrasting blonde crown.The underside is buff colored with dark brown checker-marked underwings and vertical streaks on the chest.The cere and legs are pale blue and the bill is black.Adult plumage is acquired the summer after fledging.