Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon is possibly the fastest bird on earth with a hunting dive estimated to reach a speed of up to 200mph and has been clocked at level flight at 60 mph. Why so fast? The falcon’s main source of food is other bird species, which explains the need for super-technical flying skills.
This crow-sized bird nests on Yosemite’s El Capitan, where it can safely rear nestlings while hunting the surrounding meadows and forests.
Pesticides used in the mid 20th century impacted the species but efforts to protect it have so far been successful in bringing it back from the brink. One such program was established in Yosemite National Park and has been successful in doubling the number of breeding pairs (since 2009). Learn more at Yosemite Conservancy.