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

See Examples For:

peregrine falcon

At the Houses of Parliament, he holds a peregrine falcon chick while it is ringed for identification.

From BBC ● Dec. 18, 2025

A 60% mortality rate in the first year means it's a "tough gig" being a young peregrine falcon, Dr Hurley observes, adding that such a rate is common among predators.

From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2025

By 1973, there were only five peregrine falcon nesting sites in California, Bell said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 7, 2023

A bald eagle and a few seagulls fly over the bridge, and a peregrine falcon and waterfowl fly beneath it.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 12, 2022

But tempus fugit, as the chiming of the library clock made clear, and since Edward Ashton had left, the time had flown faster than a keen-eyed peregrine falcon swooping earthward for its prey.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood