Peregrine means wanderer, and it is a fitting name for this falcon. It is found on nearly every continent, from high mountains to deserts to the tropics. The peregrine is built for speed, with long pointed wings and a streamlined body. It has the reputation as the fastest animal alive, with speeds of up to 200 miles per hour in high-powered dives.

These falcons generally mate for life and build their nests on a cliff near water. As an adaptation to humans, they may also nest on city skyscrapers. Peregrines eat mainly birds - pigeons and starlings in the cities, shorebirds and ducks on the coast.

Peregrine falcons were severely endangered from the pesticide DDT. They are now making a recovery and their population is increasing in North America. They can migrate as far as South America, but some in Washington are permanent residents. A falcon seen in our area in the winter may have spent the summer in Canada, while our summer peregrines may migrate to the coast or further south for the cold months.