peregrine falcon

American  

noun

1. a globally distributed falcon, Falco peregrinus, much used in falconry because of its swift flight: several subspecies are endangered.

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peregrine falcon British  

noun

1. a falcon, Falco peregrinus, occurring in most parts of the world, having a dark plumage on the back and wings and lighter underparts See also duck hawk

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Etymology

Origin of peregrine falcon

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Peregrine falcon numbers in Yosemite and across the country plummeted from the 1950s to the 1970s due to DDT poisoning.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2024

Peregrine falcon populations sharply declined from the 1950s through the ’70s with the liberal use of the pesticide DDT, according to ornithologists who study the species.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

Peregrine falcon and orca were among several other wild animal favorites.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2022

Look for the fierce Cooper’s hawk as it uses buildings and other structures as cover during its ambush-hunts, or the famous Peregrine falcon as it dive-bombs unsuspecting prey from above.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2020

"Holy St. Peter!" exclaimed the Saint-king, spurring his palfrey, and loosing his famous Peregrine falcon 25.

From Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Complete by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron