peregrine falcon

Meaning

A peregrine falcon is a large, fast bird of prey found on every continent except Antarctica. It is especially known for its extremely fast hunting dive, called a stoop.

Context

The term is used in wildlife, birdwatching, conservation, and sports-related descriptions of speed or precision. The scientific name is Falco peregrinus.

Synonyms and related terms

• Peregrine — a common shortened name for the bird.
• Falcon — a broader term for birds in the falcon family.
• Raptor / bird of prey — broader terms for predatory birds.
• Duck hawk — an older North American name sometimes used for peregrines.

Word origin

Peregrine comes through Latin peregrinus, meaning “foreign,” “traveler,” or “wandering.” It originally referred to the bird’s wide-ranging migratory habits. Falcon comes from Latin falco, probably related to a word for a curved sickle, referring to the bird’s hooked claws or beak.

Examples

1. A peregrine falcon nested on the ledge of the downtown skyscraper.
2. We watched a peregrine falcon circle above the cliffs.
3. The peregrine falcon dove suddenly and caught a pigeon in midair.
4. Wildlife officials placed a camera near the peregrine falcon’s nest.
5. Her coach called her a peregrine falcon because of her speed and focus.
6. The nature guide explained how peregrine falcons adapted to hunting in cities.