High above the busy streets of New York, among the skyscrapers and bridges, soars one of the world’s most remarkable hunters—the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Known as the fastest bird on Earth, capable of diving at over 200 miles per hour, the peregrine falcon has adapted to a landscape far removed from the wild cliffs it once called home.
Once on the brink of extinction due to pesticide use, peregrine falcons have made one of the most extraordinary comebacks in wildlife history. Today, they are not only surviving but thriving in urban New York—nesting on skyscrapers, bridges, and cathedrals, turning the concrete jungle into their new natural habitat.
In this in-depth article, we’ll uncover the truth about peregrine falcons in New York you didn’t expect—their origins, behaviors, hunting skills, and the surprising ways they’ve adjusted to one of the world’s largest cities.
The Peregrine Falcon: A Profile of Power
Physical Description
Peregrine falcons are medium-sized raptors, about 15 to 20 inches long, with wingspans reaching up to 4 feet. Their slate-gray feathers, barred underbellies, and yellow-rimmed eyes give them a striking appearance. Males and females look similar, though females are roughly 30% larger—a common trait among birds of prey…