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peregrine falcon

American

noun

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

peregrine falcon British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of peregrine falcon

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

peregrine falcon

“He is a mix between a bird of prey, like a peregrine falcon, with extremely streamlined shapes — of course a feline but also a Mexican salamander called an axolotl,” Otto says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2025

"Breathtaking" footage of what was believed to be a peregrine falcon attempting to hunt during a murmuration of thousands of starlings has been captured on video.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2025

Ms Merriman said the video appeared to show the starlings had been successful as the peregrine falcon was not seen to get any of the birds.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2025

Partnering with the Urban Raptor Conservancy, Expedia hosts a rooftop peregrine falcon nest — employees can watch nature unfold via a recently installed webcam.

From Seattle Times ● May 25, 2024

“That’s the last place in the world for a peregrine falcon to nest. No cliffs over there.”

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023