Falco peregrinus

Impressive isn’t enough.
You want to be breathtaking, heart-stopping.
Your goal isn’t just to win.
It’s to annihilate, to be undisputed.
And the way to do this?
Pair up with the Peregrine: the absolute fastest animal on the planet.

This rapid raptor reaches speeds over 200 mph while in her signature “stoop.”  To catch her prey of medium-sized birds, the Peregrine folds back her tail and wings, tucks in her feet and dive-bombs her victim—actually knocking out or killing the target with a clenched fist, then catching the meal in mid-air.  Lunch is served!  The Peregrine has special adaptations to withstand her high-speed capabilities, such as small bony tubercles in her nostrils that direct shock waves and protect her lungs from the intense air pressure of such an incredible dive.

Once endangered, Peregrines have since recovered due to conservation efforts.  To learn more about continuing to protect this animal athlete, visit The Peregrine Fund (www.peregrinefund.org) and the moving photography of Will Sooter (www.sharpeyesonline.com).  Also check out a Peregrine dive video on the web—so cool!