Faucon pèlerin (Falco peregrinus) Peregrine Falcon
Description: Wings pointed, tail long, very fast. Black crown and nape with black patches beneath eyes. Female and juvenile with dark brown back, and streaked belly. Male is greyish-blue with streaked belly.
Habitat: Cliffs, open country, urban environments.
Size: 8 to 50 cm.
Prey: Birds caught on the wing, mammals.
This species nearly disappeared due to the use of DDT pesticides that made the eggs’ shell to fragile. Now, the population is stable, in part due to the species’ reintroduction and the prohibition of DDT pesticides. The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet. When diving, it can reach 200-300 km/h.