How Does a Peregrine Falcon Fly?
The peregrine falcon (Falco Peregrinus) is one of the fastest flying birds. It is a sturdy crow-sized falcon that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Its distinguishing features include a blackish stripe below the eye and the dark bluish-grey or slate-colored crown, back and upper surface of the wings. The peregrine has various flying styles, depending on the situation, age, structure and season.
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Structure
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The physical structure of the peregrine falcon is vital in adapting it to fast flight. It has a small head, firm and compact feathers and long pointed wings that serve as its basic adaptations for flying at great speed. In addition, it also has a streamlined body, powerful muscles and wings that are swept back. While flying, the falcon makes quick powerful wing strokes to fly faster.
Speed
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The speed of the peregrine falcon varies according to the angle of its flight. During level flight when it move using wing-beats alone, it can reach speeds of 40 to 60 miles per hour. This is one of the highest speeds known for level flights. During stoop, a controlled dive while hunting, it can reach up to 202 miles per hour, making it the fastest bird on earth. The actual speed that a peregrine reaches in a stoop will, however, depend on the wind speed and the duration of the dive. For example, it will fly faster when it flies with the direction of the wind than against it.
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Migration
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The peregrine falcon flies north or south, depending on the season. It often flies rapidly between wintering and breeding areas, covering as much as 500 kilometers per day. During winter, it flies south, although some peregrines that are found in large cities do not often migrate if they have food. Peregrine falcons that do migrate to the United States fly to Florida or Central America to avoid cold. Some migrating falcons can cover more than 15,500 miles in a single year.
Learning How to Fly
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Peregrine Falcon has chicks called eyases. When eyases attempt to fly by jumping up and down, they are said to be branching. After five to six weeks, the eyases are now fledgling falcons possessing real feathers, and are ready to fly. Fledglings know how to fly without being taught by the peregrine parents, although they encourage them to fly by "baiting." The parents bring food to the edge of the nest so the fledglings push and shove to get it, and in they end they must fly off the edge of the nest to get the food. As they grow older, they develop more flying skills influenced by the desire to hunt on their own.
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