![]() After rising to a great height, the male folds his wings and streaks down like a missile, pulling up at the last moment and soaring into a series of loops. ![]() After selecting a nesting site on a high cliff (or on a bridge or ledge of a skyscraper in a city), a male peregrine begins a series of aerial acrobatic displays to attract a female. Peregrine falcons first breed when they are two or three years old. ![]() In mid-air, they strike and kill prey with a blow from their sharp talons. Flying high above their intended prey, they "stoop" or dive at speeds of more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) per hour. Falcons usually hunt their prey while in flight. In urban areas, they eat starlings and pigeons. Peregrine falcons feed on smaller birds such as songbirds, shorebirds, and ducks. Younger peregrine falcons are darker underneath and browner overall. Its bluish back is marked with black bars, and its underside is pale. The plumage (covering of feathers) on its wings is slate blue-gray in color. It measures 15 to 21 inches (38 to 53 centimeters) long, with a wingspan of about 44 inches (118 centimeters). The American peregrine falcon is a medium-sized bird with long, pointed wings. There are three subspecies of the peregrine falcon in North America: American, Arctic, and Peale's. Peregrine (pronounced PER-a-grin) comes from the Latin word peregrinus, meaning "foreigner" or "traveler." One of nature's most beautiful birds of prey, the peregrine falcon is noted for its speed, grace, and aerial (flying) skills. Range: Canada, Mexico, USA Description and biology
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