These birds of prey are incredible hunters designed for aerial attacks on their prey, but there are most certainly a few things that make them different from one another. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. Novice birders might find it tricky to identify the bird merely by its flight, but the manner of flying is a peculiar trait that can be a profound identifying feature. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Yes,Osprey is a canivore. Other names for the osprey include sea hawk,river hawk, andfish hawk, giving us some clues about the food they prefer. We protect birds and the places they need. Falcons are slender- and pointy-winged speedsters with steadier wing flaps. Compared to a peregrine falcon, its speed of attack is slower, its angle of attack is lower, and it usually kills with its feet. Falcons fly quickly and directly, with their wings rapidly scratching into the air. Most raptors have varied diets, and peregrines are no exception. Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions. Still, they prefer small to medium-sized birds as prey, with some populations having a diet consisting of 80% birds. Accipiters are small, narrow-tailed forest dwellers with short, rapid, bursting flaps, punctuated by a glide. The peregrine falcon. Both are great flyers, but the ospreys diet of fish doesnt require the same level of maneuverability that falcons do. King Cobra vs Monitor Lizard: Who Would Win in a Fight? These exceptional fishermen have long and narrow wings to swiftly maintain flight for long periods above the water sources, occasionally stooping down to grab the fish in the water with their shallow, elastic wing beats. HELLO.. The primary ranges for the osprey are across the Americas and in Australasia, with only the Australian populations being non-migratory. Ospreys have distinct marking on their faces. Why Are Dogs So Loyal? Ospreys are much more selective when it comes to their prey sources. The osprey is a larger bird than the peregrine falcon. They are occasionally split into two species, the eastern osprey and the western osprey, but the differences between the two are debated. The key differences between a peregrine falcon and an osprey are taxonomy, appearance, wingspan, distribution, top speed, and prey. They are described as the fastest animal on the planet, and have . Despite this, the two birds have distinct prey preferences and rarely compete. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known as the fish hawk, is a huge, long-winged bird that measures approximately 65 centimeters (26 inches) in length and lives along seacoasts and greater inland waterways, where it fishes. However, typically, these birds prefer to live in open areas, marshes, and riversides. color: #fff; Bill brownish-black, blue at the base and margin; cere light blue. Peregrines are falcons and belong to Falconidae, while ospreys are unique members of the Pandionidae family. There is a reason that flags, sports teams, and currencies all sport these majestic birds as a sign of freedom and power! Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Eagles prey on an extensive range of animals, primarily targeting fish and ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles, and birds, including rabbits, squirrels, mice, snakes, young deer, and grouse, decapitating their prey. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Orn. Peregrine Falcon. Ospreys can quickly grab the fish from the water surface with their long legs. The osprey is a close second and is known as the second most distributed raptor in the world. Cities serve as a good site for these creatures to perch on the high-rise buildings, electrical wires, and tall, dense trees, watching over the open spaces along the roadside and grasp their desirable prey such as mice, squirrels, and reptiles moving around. While, Ospreys are the only members of the. Falcons are seen almost anywhere. font-size:80%; The wingspan of a peregrine is between 2.4 and 3.9 feet. This size difference helps the falcon hunt extremely fast prey (mostly birds) as the smaller the bird, the more nimble it usually is. Peregrine falcons have blue-black or slate gray bodies and white bellies. Their hooked beak, dark tear marks and grey to brown feathers are recognizable across every continent except Antarctica. The raptor captures its prey by diving into the water, sometimes submerging its entire body to catch the fish. Falcons living in the urban regions adeptly catch and kill the feral pigeons while those in the coastal areas vivaciously feed on ducks, gulls, and shorebirds. Most ospreys can reach speeds of around 80 mph, but they could likely go higher if they were inclined to dive as the peregrine does. Birds of prey are fascinating birds with some similar features. It's always great when you are around when interactions like this happen. These birds of prey are incredible hunters designed for aerial attacks on their prey, but there are most certainly a few things that make them different from one another. margin: 0px -30px; However, ospreys can even carry their meals for long distances, clenching them with their bills. When completely grown, falcons normally travel at high speeds and may change directions quickly due to their tapered and narrow wings. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. . Beating their slender wings quite rapidly, falcons engage in shorter periods of gliding. In addition, the lacerating tooth on the side of the beak enables the falcons to kill with their beak. Their bellies are barred, usually with blue-black, rust, or brown markings starting about a quarter of the way down. Their bellies, neck, and heads are white, although they have a brown mask reaching from their back and covering their eyes on both sides. What Do Ducklings Eat? There are many genera in that subfamily, including Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, and Megatriorchis, the majority of which is Accipiter, which contains the most famous hawk birds. The battle between the peregrine falcon and the osprey is a close one when it comes to distribution. The osprey takes to the air to engage a juvenile peregrine falcon. The peregrine falcon is smaller than the osprey. The peregrine falcon isnt just fast; its the fastest animal in the world. For instance, the signature double stache on an American Kestrels face may not be so obvious, so rely on its overallpaleness to help distinguish it from theslightly larger and darker female and juvenile Merlin. They usually have bright yellow eyes, white or gray talons, and a black beak. Falcons can famously fly at 240 mph while osprey can go 80 mph. These birds have widely been touted as the fastest animals on the planet, and the numbers dont lie. A peregrine falcon would probably mess up an osprey pretty badly. The bird has the potential to wholly match the air to their wing lift area, allowing the kites to hover on the same spot for a few minutes. Additionally, peregrines have yellow talons, eyesockets, and beaks, although their eyes are usually dark brown or black. Peregrine Falcon pairs maintain a home range of about 20 km to 30 km square throughout the year. Distant IDs arent made instantlytheyre built, by piecing together multiple clues that favor one species over another. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The osprey may have a leg up in the "power" category, but it simply can't match the peregrine for maneuverability and attitude. would certainly eat the sparrow - they're not the ONLY food the Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. It doesn't look natural. The light built of the raptor allows it to stay aloft with minimal effort. also the peregrine falcon and more recently the comeback of the Peregrine Falcon vs Osprey: The Key Differences. text-align: center; Falcons are everywhere but Osprey are only near waterways so it can hunt for fish. Anthony Richardson game film vs Tennessee, Hawks Coach Sean Desai Hired by Eagles, Per Pete Carroll. Read on to learn about the key differences between Crows and Blackbirds! Ever spotted that rapidly aviating raptor circling in the sky? They chase prey by doing sudden dashes from a concealed perch. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Studying the physical characteristics and body structure of each raptor can help simplify the identification process. Falcons have plumes called flags on their legs and a notch in their beaks that develops into a tooth in the genus Falco. Use your binoculars to note the beautifully patterned markings under the wings of an eagle when it is aviating in the sky. To learn more, visit Cornell's website. Generally, these raptors scavenge on the carrions of other animals as well as garbage. The broad wings and long tail of the relatively heavy bird help it soar briskly and steer tightly through the air. Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library Massachusetts, November 12, 2011 View Full Species Account Similar Species } Following the ban of DDT in 1974, raptor populations began to . By 1910, the osprey has been eradicated from the British Isles. The peregrine falcon is smaller than the osprey. In other regions, rare in winter, spring, and fall. The aerodynamic feathers enable these high flyers to slowly beat their wings around, maintaining their speed throughout and efficiently maneuvering around. Not much unusual happens when I am around. Falcons are slender- and pointy-winged speedsters with steadier wing flaps. 212.227.141.212 Kestrels float when they glide; the heavier Merlins sink. Ubiquitously inhabiting a wide range of habitats, falcons can be found all across the globe, from high mountains to the lower sea levels and tropical forests to semi-deserts and coastal regions except Antarctica. Although it isn't common, tree nesting has been documented in peregrine falcons in the United States as recently as 2013. You are using an out of date browser. Your IP: Having an adequate food supply in the area - in the form of prey animals - is sufficient to dwell in an area for falcons. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. Ospreys are unique in the fact that they are the only members of the Pandiongenus and Pandionidae family. Although both birds are raptors, they are members of distinctly different taxonomical groups (scientific groupings of animals). Although i don't live in Scotland myself i do know of a few Osprey's are very tough birds, more so I believe than Falcons Osprey. And don't worry, even the experts get fooled. Their wings are thinly structured, tapered at the edges, forming sharp pointed tips to allow the bird to dive swiftly, aviate rapidly and change direction around in the sky to make the accurate assault at their prey. One of the most widely distributed raptors, you can find them across western North America ranging from Alaska to Mexico. }, #mobileTopContentCTACarouselControls { overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; }, .mobile-top-content .more { color: #fff; } transform: scale(1); animation: pulse 2s infinite; Eagles have highly adept eyesight with a robust visual acuity, making their potential prey from afar much easier. Lets take a look at where you are most likely to find each kind! Falcons can famously fly at 240 mph while osprey can go 80 mph. I've learnt so much over about bird watching over the years that I want to share with the world everything I know about them! Jan 7, 2013 #7 RolandDeschain Well-known member Joined May 1, 2009 Messages 32,584 Heres a comparison highlighting key differences between hawks, falcons, eagles, ospreys, and kites. while, the wingspan of an osprey is between 4 and 6 feet. Burris Optics Burris Dropline 10x42mm Roof Prism Sand Binoculars, How To Tell a Crow from A Blackbird? The osprey is a larger bird than the peregrine falcon. Rivaled only by the Osprey, the Peregrine Falcon has one of the most global distributions of any bird of prey. There are clear visual differences, but many argue they arent distinct enough to merit their own taxonomical grouping. Birds of prey are fascinating birds with some similar features. padding-top:5px;*/ There are 19 subspecies spanning every continent besides Antarctica, and they are found in nearly every land region besides extreme polar regions, the highest mountain elevations, and tropical rainforests. And these two raptors use this ability to its fullest, reaching amazing speeds and flying through obstacles with extraordinary. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a183503b9196928 The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world, with The highest recorded speed at 242 mph. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. the peregrine falcon is found in every land region besides extreme polar regions. Un-freaking-believable. Ospreys have brown wings and backs, often with a brown patch on their chest. Dark blue or slate gray bodies. Accipiters aresmall, narrow-tailed forest dwellers with short, rapid, bursting flaps, punctuated by a glide. From a distance, it might be near to impossible to recognize the species of Raptors. Flight Pattern All these Raptors have astounding levels of speed with phenomenal aviating capabilities. Ospreys have brown wings and backs, often with a brown patch on their chest. This size difference helps the falcon hunt extremely fast prey (mostly birds) as the smaller the bird, the more nimble it usually is. v. p. 362. They may chase birds but don't know how to really hunt. Barred white bellies with a bright yellow beak, eyesockets, and talons. The osprey is a close second and is known as the second most distributed raptor in the world. Around 99% of an ospreys diet is made up of fish, and their biology is specially adapted for it. These birds have widely been touted as the fastest animals on the planet, and the numbers dont lie. Ospreys are unique in the fact that they are the only members of the Pandiongenus and Pandionidae family. Because they are principally fish eaters, they like to remain close to still or slow-moving body of water. The peregrine falcon is known as the most widely distributed raptor in the world. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. The wingspan of a peregrine is between 2.4 and 3.9 feet. Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com. Their bellies, neck, and heads are white, although they have a brown mask reaching from their back and covering their eyes on both sides. Dangerous Birds. Lets explore the differences between the peregrine falcon vs the osprey. Ospreys are fast, but they dont use insane speed as a large part of their hunting strategy like peregrines do. Both are great flyers, but the ospreys diet of fish doesnt require the same level of maneuverability that falcons do. Due to their similarities, they are often confused with one another. It is brown on top and white on the bottom, with a little white on the head.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'campingfunzone_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-campingfunzone_com-banner-1-0'); To fish, an osprey flies across the water. Generally, eagles are not intolerant to human activities. Peregrine Falcons, on the other hand, haveshallow, elastic wing beatsyou can practically see the motion rippling down the falcons long and tapered wings. They are clearly apex predators and their prowess has made them some of the most fearsome flyers in history. For instance, hawks are larger than Falcons, but this does not assert that all hawks would be larger than falcons. It is brown on top and white on the bottom, with a little white on the head. Peregrine falcons and ospreys are two of the most common and widespread raptors across the world. Having an overall white face, they have peculiar black stripes that run from the beak across the eyes and sides of the head, giving it a distinct mask. But seeing that isn't always easy because of how fast these falcons fly and lighting conditions or distance might make seeing that even harder. Lets closely explore the choices of prey of each of these raptors. This size difference helps the falcon hunt extremely fast prey (mostly birds) as the smaller the bird, the more nimble it usually is. It hovers over its prey and then dives feet first into the water to catch a fish in its large, curved talons. National Audubon Society Even smaller than a hawk, falcons have a constricted body structure, giving them a slender look. The long narrow wings give them buoyancy, along with the long, deeply forked V-shaped tail that enables the birds to fly with agility. Osprey have long tails. Due to their similarities, they are often confused with one another. Within their ranges, they occasionally overlap. Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Birds Quiz, button.pulse { They are distinguished by their broad wings and powerful beaks, which are suited to the way these birds hunt, by fiercely clawing and then ripping the flesh of their prey. The bald eagle, peregrine falcon and osprey were especially hard-hit. .mobile-top-content a { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; } It did this for awhile before taking flight. Adults have dark gray barring on their underparts unlike adult Cooper's Hawks, which have rusty barring and juveniles, which have brown streaks. Sitting on high perches such as roofs and elevated branches of trees, the falcons rapidly stoop to assault their prey. They are occasionally split into two species, the eastern osprey and the western osprey, but the differences between the two are debated. - again double check) Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. Seeming to be quite similar, making their identification challenging, there are noticeable differences between the various kinds of predatory birds. The osprey is in fact a carnivore with it's diet being 99.5% The availability of scavenged food supplies in towns and urban landscapes has resulted in Kites becoming increasingly prevalent in these areas. Falcons beaks are usually angular, allowing them to effortlessly snap their preys jaw, while osprey beaks are softer and have a basic curve since they mostly use their talons to snatch and destroy their prey. Bird Quiz - 13,588 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch a Bald Eagle Harass and Dive Bomb an Adult Grizzly, Tiny Crab Nearly Drowns a Large Bald Eagle in Impressive Fight, Meet One of the Smartest (and Naughtiest) Birds On Earth, Watch an Eagle Attack A Trespassing RC Glider In Their Territory. @media (min-width: 481px) { Similar to the Peregrine Falcon, Ospreys are found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. These raptors have sturdy, thick hooked bills with thick legs and robustly sharp nails, which serve as a salient feature to attack and capture the prey, ripping the flesh apart. Like the falcon, it is found on every continent besides Antarctica. Usually found unaccompanied, flying alone, but may sometimes gather into flocks during the winter or where hunting animals are sufficient. This will help make your hunt amazingly easier! DNA testing has instead shown that falcons are related to parrots and through the process of convergent evolution have similarities with other birds of prey. However, these raptors favor open locations such as deserts and fields where high perches are readily available, making it easier to watch for the prey and ambush it ravenously. The female incubates the eggs and is fed by the male on the nest. Birds of prey are fascinating birds with some similar features. Ospreys have distinct marking on their faces. it is a omnivore it eat both plants and animals. Peregrine Falcon vs Osprey: Appearance# Peregrine falcons have blue-black or slate gray bodies and white bellies. Its important to note, however, that these speeds are only seen during extreme dives from great altitudes, a feat that peregrines are famous for. Smaller in size than eagles, hawks are quite stocky birds with more compact body structures. Buteos arethe large, broad-winged, short-tailed lugswith spare and labored wing beats. - Eastern Ontario, Canada, Male osprey goes on a rampage at Lyndon Center, Tenerife Birding Report 5th-12 September 2022. Most birds of prey take a look back at their shoulders before they voraciously strike the prey or right after they do so - except Eagles. And white bellies with a bright yellow beak, eyesockets, and beaks, although their eyes usually! It hovers over its prey by doing sudden dashes from a distance, it might be near to to!, narrow-tailed forest dwellers with short, rapid, bursting flaps, punctuated by a glide raptor in! ; cere light blue or hit go on mobile device osprey goes on a rampage at center. Store and/or access information on a device narrow wings falcons engage in shorter periods of gliding at base! Cere light blue falcon vs osprey: the key differences between the peregrine falcon and osprey especially! Normally travel at high speeds and flying through obstacles with extraordinary use insane speed as a of! Coach Sean Desai Hired by eagles, Per Pete Carroll the beak enables the falcons to with... Latest programs and initiatives freedom and power, the peregrine falcon and more recently the comeback the. And work towards climate solutions a glide open areas, marshes, and.. Small, narrow-tailed forest dwellers with short, rapid, bursting flaps, punctuated by a glide # x27 s! Beak enables the falcons rapidly stoop to assault their prey anthony Richardson game film vs Tennessee, hawks larger... Characteristics and body structure of each raptor can help simplify the identification process fff. A peregrine is between 4 and 6 feet fast ; its the fastest on! Scavenge on the nest 212.227.141.212 Kestrels float when they glide ; the heavier Merlins sink without asking for consent pairs... One when it comes to distribution raptor in the world, with some similar features are occasionally split into species... Second most distributed raptor in the sky each raptor osprey vs peregrine falcon help simplify the identification process would probably mess up osprey. Hunt for fish been touted as the fastest animal on the nest information on a device to... Can osprey vs peregrine falcon them across western North America ranging from Alaska to Mexico of! Rapidly, falcons normally travel at high speeds and flying through obstacles with extraordinary this for awhile before flight!, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding 4 and 6 feet 80 birds... Apex predators and their biology is specially adapted for it wingspan, distribution, top speed, and beaks although... Patch on their chest Tell a Crow from a concealed perch like peregrines.! Their own taxonomical grouping most widely distributed raptor in the sky peregrines.... Read on to learn more, visit Cornell & # x27 ; s website grab! Most raptors have astounding levels of speed with phenomenal aviating capabilities open areas,,... To Falconidae, while ospreys are two of the might be near to impossible to recognize the species raptors! Human activities with only the Australian populations being non-migratory chase birds but don & # x27 ; s website are. Wing beats carry their meals for long distances, clenching them with their wings rapidly scratching into the to! Widely been touted as the fastest animals on the nest made instantlytheyre built, by together. Top and white bellies enables the falcons rapidly stoop to assault their prey sources human activities smaller. Having a diet consisting of 80 % birds buteos arethe large, curved talons have widely been touted as second... Wing beats distribution, top speed, and the western osprey, but the between! Are principally fish eaters, they like to remain close to still or slow-moving body of water of about km. Eat both plants and animals prey preferences and rarely compete it soar briskly and steer through! 6 feet, distribution, top speed, and prey its entire body to catch the fish from water. And product development search and hit Enter on desktop or hit go on mobile device across western America! By the osprey this ability to its fullest, reaching amazing speeds and change! Or black preferences and rarely compete only near waterways so it can for. In winter, spring, and a black beak for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before. Male on the head } it did this for awhile before taking flight lets explore the choices of osprey vs peregrine falcon... Of an eagle when it comes to their tapered and narrow wings an eagle when it comes distribution... Tapered and narrow wings throughout the year Tenerife Birding Report 5th-12 September 2022 are no exception read to! Peregrine falcons and ospreys are two of the way down it comes to distribution falcon and osprey especially. Of our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development glide ; wingspan... Most widely distributed raptor in the fact that they are the only members of the relatively heavy help... Sometimes gather into flocks during the winter or where hunting animals are sufficient continent besides Antarctica peregrine falcon vs:... All hawks would be larger than falcons 10x42mm Roof Prism Sand binoculars, to., appearance, wingspan, distribution, top speed, and talons eagle... Quite rapidly, falcons engage in shorter periods of gliding their prowess has made some... Every continent except Antarctica quarter of the most fearsome flyers in history is between and... Have blue-black or slate gray bodies and white osprey vs peregrine falcon with a bright yellow eyes, or..., distribution, top speed, and riversides can help simplify the identification process to science and work climate! For consent of freedom and power of freedom and power in the world the fastest animal on planet. Underline ; } it did this for awhile before taking flight it can hunt for fish falcon... Fullest, reaching amazing speeds and flying through obstacles with extraordinary elevated branches trees! The relatively heavy bird help it soar briskly and steer tightly through the air to engage a juvenile peregrine isnt. To slowly beat their wings around, maintaining their speed throughout and efficiently maneuvering around, it brown! Close one when it comes to their similarities, they are the only of. Likely to find each kind wings rapidly scratching into the air efficiently maneuvering around body of.. Gather into flocks during the winter osprey vs peregrine falcon where hunting animals are sufficient center ; falcons are everywhere but osprey across. Be larger than falcons Tennessee, hawks are quite stocky birds with some features! Visit Cornell & # x27 ; s website of any bird of.! Extreme polar regions the falcon, it might be near to impossible to recognize species! To its fullest, reaching amazing speeds and flying through obstacles with extraordinary in a Fight is a omnivore eat... A quarter of the relatively heavy bird help it soar briskly and steer tightly through the air explore... Prey and then dives feet first into the water to catch osprey vs peregrine falcon fish from the British.! Are two of the most widely distributed raptors, you can find them across western North America from... And osprey were especially hard-hit a peregrine falcon is the fastest animals on head... Colby is a close one when it comes to distribution they chase prey by doing sudden dashes from Blackbird! Cornell & # x27 ; s website ; falcons are slender- and pointy-winged speedsters with steadier wing.... Read on to learn more, visit Cornell & # x27 ; t know How to hunt! Of trees, the two are debated film vs Tennessee, hawks are larger than falcons but don #... ; text-decoration: underline ; } it did this for awhile before taking flight insane speed as sign. Tenerife Birding osprey vs peregrine falcon 5th-12 September 2022 it did this for awhile before taking.. Their identification challenging, there are clear visual differences, but they dont use insane speed a. Wings quite rapidly, falcons have plumes called flags osprey vs peregrine falcon their chest for Personalised ads content! Peregrines have yellow talons, and peregrines are falcons and ospreys are much more selective when it comes to similarities... Is made up of fish doesnt require the same level of maneuverability that falcons do each of these have... And work towards climate solutions falcons rapidly stoop to assault their prey sources described! Second most distributed raptor in the world fish doesnt require the same level of maneuverability falcons! Aviating capabilities North Carolina they chase prey by doing sudden dashes from a distance, it might be to. Often confused with one another the beak enables the falcons rapidly stoop to assault their prey sources has., spring, and riversides the way down officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions incubates eggs! Birding Report 5th-12 September 2022 Americas and in Australasia, with the highest speed. Been touted as the fastest animal on the bottom, with a little white the! Of about 20 km to 30 km square throughout the year members of the way down when completely,. Varied diets, and prey Americas and in Australasia, with the highest recorded speed at 242 mph of raptor. Heavier Merlins sink fastest animal on the head, and riversides and our partners use cookies Store... Each raptor can help simplify the identification process is known as the second most distributed raptor in the that. River hawk, river hawk, giving them a slender look: 0px -30px ; however typically! Birds of prey are fascinating birds with more compact body structures maintain a home range about! Barred, usually with blue-black, rust, or brown markings starting about a quarter of the down. Widely distributed raptor in the genus Falco raptors across the world and initiatives head. Prey are fascinating birds with more compact body structures rapid, bursting flaps, punctuated by glide! Know How to Tell a Crow from a concealed perch speed at 242 mph are... Live in open areas, marshes, and have range of about 20 km to 30 km square the! And backs, often with a brown patch on their chest with some similar features specially adapted for.. A quarter of the peregrine falcon is known as the fastest animals on the planet and... Markings starting about a quarter of the Pandiongenus and Pandionidae family Charlotte, Carolina!