Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
In washington State, U.S. we have 5 species of regularly occurring falcons. The most common large falcon is the Peregrine Falcon, an incredible bird that often hunts by flying to a great height, spotting its prey, then diving at tremendous speed, called a "stoop" to capture and kill a bird in flight. They are almost always a bird seen in open spaces. They rely on speed and surprise to capture their prey. By some accounts the approximately 250 miles per hour (400 km/hr) speed that they achieve in a stoop is the fastest flying bird on earth.
In ancient times only royalty were allowed to use Peregrine Falcons in the sport of falconry. Peregrines were extremely endangered in the mid 20th century, due to the use of DDT pesticide, which accumulated in the food chain, affecting the top-of-the-chain animals like Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans and others most severely. Since the DDT ban in most of North America these birds have made a tremendous comeback.
Reintroduction programs have also helped. Many cities now have Peregrine nests on skyscrapers, bridges, etc. The birds use these "urban canyons" along with introduced Rock Pigeons as easy prey to thrive in cities.
Seeing a Peregrine Falcon always seems to make any day a little better.
Be sure to check out The Bird Banter Podcast.
Good birding. Good day!