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Why the peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world

No, cheetahs aren’t the fastest animals on Earth. Here's why this other animal is actually faster.

No, cheetahs aren’t the fastest animals on Earth

Taking all environments into account, it’s the peregrine falcon that holds the speed record. In 2005, one was recorded at 389.46 km/h, which is 16.86 km/h faster than the Formula 1 world record.

These peak speeds are reached when the falcon dives for prey. They’re possible thanks to its unique anatomy, even among birds of prey: wings that are more compact and pointed less pronounced ridges above its eyes to enhance aerodynamics and stiffer feathers to cut through the air and change direction.

During peak speeds, the air pressure could suffocate it but its nostrils have small bones called “tubercles” to slow down the air and decrease the pressure that could enter its lungs. But this exceptional speed isn't enough to hunt.

To catch its prey, it must also be agile and on the lookout. Its eyes allow it to see 2 times further than the human eye and to situate itself in space, even at high speeds. This allows it to close off its target. Launched at full speed the falcon can now throw its prey to the ground or stab it with the help of its 8 sharp talons.

Brut.

03/01/2020 7:29 AM

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150 comments

  • Shane H.
    06/08/2020 12:56

    If we're talking pure speed (which I think you are), it should be humans. Specifically Felix Baumgartner at 1,342.8kph. https://www.space.com/17961-supersonic-skydive-worlds-highest-space-jump.html

  • Jack M.
    06/06/2020 13:06

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwN6efmhp7E

  • Shaun B.
    04/21/2020 22:04

    Very nice, I fly peregrines but I actually think the golden eagle is faster in reality

  • Govinda K.
    04/12/2020 14:26

    No dear falcon cannot flap its wings faster compared to cheetah that it can run its legs. With help of gravity and its anatomy its dive speed is 350+ kmph.

  • Errol L.
    03/31/2020 21:33

    Amazing

  • Roland d.
    03/31/2020 19:06

    I can't fly @ tht speed only in stoop

  • Micheal M.
    03/31/2020 16:27

    Nobody ever said it was! It is the fastest land mammal And the falcon only dives faster. Pretty sure there are other birds that can fly faster

  • Mick H.
    03/31/2020 07:33

    just a clarification, the fastest 'animal' is the cheetah. the falcon happens to be a bird

  • Charlie K.
    03/31/2020 06:43

    Chalk and cheese! One is a bird = it flies The other is a land animal = it runs

  • Gaz K.
    03/30/2020 23:36

    they nest in a tall building in my home town. amazing creatures.

  • Bill L.
    03/30/2020 23:02

    They are not on earth when they go that fast.

  • Ralph O.
    03/30/2020 19:14

    Isn’t there a swift that is faster than peregrine?

  • Garrett N.
    03/30/2020 16:36

    that's a lie,,,they cant fly over 389 kms,,,its merely impossible,,,through physics,, its body weight would not allow that...man ya ppl are dummies

  • Carolyn N.
    03/30/2020 04:03

    Our school district's mascot.

  • Neil C.
    03/30/2020 03:33

    They also withstand G forces up to 25-27 Gs pulling out of a dive. A fighter pilot can withstand about 9 Gs.

  • John R.
    03/30/2020 01:22

    as a cheetah runs on the earth and a peregrine falcon speed is used in the atmosphere of the earth that is not really a true fact🐆🦅

  • Robert C.
    03/30/2020 00:34

    Is it not true that for its size the fastest creature in the world is the "Tiger Beetle?" I read once that it moves so fast that it has to keep stopping every few yards to check where it is - and if it was the same size as a cheetah it would travel at over 300mph....

  • Keith J.
    03/29/2020 20:39

    the cheetah is an animal, the perragrine is a bird

  • Francois F.
    03/29/2020 19:12

    God created these wonderful creatures, for our enjoyment, and to praise God, showing us there is God. 🙏❤️🙏❤️

  • Claudious J.
    03/29/2020 00:44

    So how fast does a peregrine falcon run?