During its descent, as its speed increases, one wing tends to be pushed forwards with its head tucked in to that side while the other wing is pulled back. Initially, before diving, the falcon brings its wings close to its body. The peregrine falcon can fly at an altitude of over 3500 feet. Also, it weighs from 530 to 1600 grams.Ĭonsequently, people might wonder how such a small animal can fly at this subsonic speed? The answer lies in its ability to morph its wing. The peregrine falcon can measures from 14 to 19 inches (36 to 49 cm) with a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 3.6 feet (100 to 110 cm). According to an experiment done in 2005 by Ken Franklin, the speed of the falcon reaches a value of 242 mph which is the fastest speed ever observed till now. Experiments done have demonstrated that the diving speed of the peregrine falcon exceeds 200 mph.
Though the peregrine falcon is described as the fastest animal on Earth, it is not the fastest when in its level flight which is only in the range 40 to 55 mph but in fact, when in its hunting dive.
