Falcons

Falcons are sleek birds with pointed wings. They are built for speed. Falcons hunt other birds in the air. They are known as some of the fastest animals in the world.

Speed Champions

The peregrine falcon can dive at over 240 miles per hour. This dive is called a stoop. It makes peregrines the fastest animals on Earth. They use speed to catch birds in mid-air.

A brown falcon perched and watching closely.
A brown falcon perched and watching closely. (jjron / Wikimedia Commons)

Falcon Homes

Falcons live all over the world. They often nest on tall cliffs. Some even nest on skyscrapers in big cities. Falcons do not build nests like other birds. They just lay eggs in a small scrape.

Fun Facts

  • Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals in the world.
  • Falcons have been used for hunting by people for thousands of years.
  • A baby falcon is called an eyas.

Did You Know?

Falcons have special bumps in their noses that help them breathe while diving at super high speeds.