Speed is the ultimate weapon for the the world’s most elite aerial predators. Some, such as the peregrine falcon, are known for using the ‘stoop’ technique – a high-speed hunting dive where the bird bends and tucks in its wings to become a living missile. Others use power and acceleration to chase down horizontal-flying birds.
10 fastest birds of prey in the world
1. Peregrine falcon
Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are the fastest birds in the world. When hunting, they fold their wings into a teardrop and dive at steep angles, striking prey mid-air. They can reach speeds of 290kph (180mph) using a curved path to reduce drag. Special nostril tubercles regulate airflow, protecting their lungs during these extreme dives.
2. Golden eagle
Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) like to soar, riding thermals and updrafts to cruise while looking for prey. When they need speed, however, they can unleash spectacular power, diving with wings partly folded and talons tucked, reaching speeds of 240–320kph (150–200mph).
3. Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the world’s fastest bird in level flight with an average speed of 80-109kph (50-68mph). It is built for sustained high-speed pursuit rather than sheer diving speed. It’s the largest falcon in the world and nests in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, Asia, Greenland and Iceland.
4. Saker falcon
Saker falcons (Falco cherrug) – the national bird of Hungary, the United Arab Emirates and Mongolia – are fast and aggressive hunters capable of speeds up to 190kph (120mph). Impressive acceleration allows them to catch up with fast-flying prey, such as larks, starlings and pigeons.
5. Red-tailed hawk
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), one of North America’s most common raptors, is a highly effective hunter. While it typically cruises at speeds of up to 64kph (40 mph), itis capable of hitting an impressive 190kmh (120mph) during a steep hunting stoop. The technique is ideal for ambushing small mammals and reptiles.
6. Eurasian hobby
The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo) is a small, incredibly agile falcon that can fly at 160kph (100 mph) – fast enough to catch swifts mid-air. These raptors have an expansive range across Europe, Asia and northern Africa.
7. Merlin
A merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small falcon – very fast and agile – that hunts small birds and insects. It is capable of reaching over 50kph (30mph) in level flight and bursts of 113kph (70 mph) in pursuit.
8. Harpy eagle
The magnificent harpy eagles of Central and South America are legendary for being the most powerful eagles in the world and one of the world’s deadliest birds of prey. The grip from a female’s very long, sharp black talons can pierce muscle and break bone. Despite a large wingspan, they can maneuver nimbly across the forest canopy at speeds of up to 80kph (50 mph).
9. Osprey
The magnificent osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is capable of speeds of up to 125kph (78mph) in steep dives to capture swimming fish. It hovers high above a body of water, using its sharp eyesight to spot fish, then attacks in one of two ways: diving down at a sharp angle and high speed, or swooping in gracefully to pluck a fish from near the surface.
10. American kestrel
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small falcon found across North America and only occasionally spotted in the UK. It is small but quick, using bursts of speed to ambush prey. It can exceed speeds of 100kph (60mph) during its hunting stoops.
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