What kind of bird is the "supercar" in the world of birds?The answer is – peregrine falcons. As one of the ten fastest bird species in the world, the peregrine falcon is known for its unique physical characteristics, living habits, and wide range of distribution. Today, let's unravel the mystery of the peregrine falcon and explore this symbol of speed and passion.
First, let's take a look at the physical characteristics of peregrine falcons. The peregrine falcon's wings are extraordinarily slender and powerful, as if infused with endless energy. The eyes are orange-yellow, the small face has a black mane, the neck to the neck are black, the body is blue gray at the top and black horizontal stripes at the bottom, and then the face is white and white horizontal stripes. There are fine black spots on the upper thorax, and black transverse spots on the lower thorax to the wings. Juvenile peregrine falcons have dark brown upper body and light yellowish brown **, black-brown longitudinal stripes covering the thorax and abdomen. There are a total of 18 subspecies. Body length 41-50 cm. The wings are long and pointed, the eyes are yellow, the cheeks have a thick black mustache that goes vertically downward, the head to the back of the neck is grayish-black, and the rest of the upper body is blue-gray, and the tail has several black transverse bands. These unique physical features make the peregrine falcon unique among many birds.
In addition to their physical characteristics, the peregrine falcon's habits are also amazing. It mainly inhabits mountains, hills, semi-deserts, swamps and lakes along the coast, but also moves near open farmland, cultivated land and villages. They are adept at circling, gliding, and diving through the air in search of prey. When spotting prey, the peregrine falcon pounces on the prey at alarming speed, grabbing it with its sharp claws and bringing it back to its nest. This swift flying skill and hunting style make the peregrine falcon the dominant force in the air.
The range of peregrine falcons is also quite wide. It can be found in almost all parts of the world along the coasts of mountains, hills, semi-deserts, swamps and lakes, as well as in open farmland, cultivated land and near villages. They are the national birds of the United Arab Emirates and Angola, reflecting their importance and influence in these regions. Whether in the cold Arctic or in the scorching Sahara Desert, peregrine falcons can find a place for their survival.
The breeding season for peregrine falcons is from April to June. Nesting is found in glades, overhanging rocks in river valleys, marginal jungles, and other habitats where humans are difficult to reach, as well as in mounds or marshes, and sometimes by other birds such as crows, as well as in tree hollows and buildings. It is generally not found to nest in dense forests without glades and cliffs. The nest is mainly composed of dead branches, with a few grass stems, blades and feathers, and some without any inner bedding. Each clutch lays 2 4 eggs, occasionally as many as 5 or 6 eggs, the eggs are reddish-brown in color, and the size is 49 58 mm 39 43 mm. Male and female parent birds take turns to incubate their eggs, and they are very territorial during the incubation period, often actively defending the nest, and the incubation period is 28-29 days. Chicks are late bloomers, hatched and raised by parent birds, and can only leave the nest after 35 to 42 days of nesting life.
Overall, the peregrine falcon is a unique and fascinating bird. Its physical characteristics, habits and distribution area all make people curious and in awe of this symbol of speed and passion. Peregrine falcons play an important role in both nature and literature, showing us the magnificence and beauty of the bird world.