Book 11, Question 127
Why Can Peregrine Falcons Dive So Fast?
Peregrine falcons can dive so fast because they use gravity and a perfect shape! They climb high first, then fold their wings. They can go over 300 kilometers an hour, the fastest animal on Earth.
More fun facts
- A peregrine falcon's high speed dive to catch prey is called a stoop.
- In a stoop, peregrines can reach about 320 kilometers (200 miles) per hour, making them the fastest animal on the planet.
- Some peregrines migrate from the Arctic to South America, a round trip of up to about 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles).
- A peregrine's wings can span about 104 centimeters (41 inches).
- Peregrine numbers dropped dangerously low between the 1950s and 1970s, and they were listed as endangered in the US.
- Scientists think copying parts of peregrine flight could improve aircraft.
Sources: National Park Service, National Geographic Kids, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
What is a stoop?
The fast dive a falcon makes to catch prey.