Next time you’re walking in the city, watch out for tall structures such as power pylons, water towers, skyscrapers, and cliffs. You might find a Peregrine falcon perching there and gazing at you. It’s common to find Peregrine falcons anywhere in North America, but they’re mostly found along coasts. Having an average length of 14.2-19.3 in (36-49 cm) and weighing around 18.7-56.4 oz (530-1600 g), these falcons are the largest falcons in most of the continent.

Peregrines are distinctive and memorable for their aesthetically pleasing color pattern. Having an eye-catching blue-gray body that darkens as it moves toward the head contrasts with its white breast and yellow bills and feet. This makes Peregrines an element of beauty in nature and awe-inspiring for other birds.

Peregrines usually lay 3 to 4 eggs. The female falcon looks after the offspring, while the male provides the nest with food. Peregrines are swift and skillful hunters. In cities, you’ll find them making swift dives which are called stoops, to catch pigeons. In nature, however, they seek ducks and shorebirds as their prey.

These falcons are one of the world’s fastest birds, potentially reaching 200 mph while diving.