Peregrine Falcon
Photo: Mykola Swarnyk · CC BY-SA 3.0

Falcons and Caracaras

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

LCLeast Concern
Family
Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)
Order
Falconiformes

Overview

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae known for its speed. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and a black head. As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. Historically, the bird has also been known as the "black-cheeked falcon" in Australia and the "duck hawk" in North America.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where to see it

Destination guides featuring this bird

Range and habitat

Countries

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.