peregrine falcon

noun

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

peregrine falcon

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peregrine falcon¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

You might spot a peregrine falcon or other raptor, including kestrels, which nest there.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

A pair of lovebirds, a peregrine falcon, three pink-breasted finches, and a king cockatoo fluttered into the air in a plume of feathers and a cloud of bird feed.

From Literature

The female bald eagle known as La’i was spotted near the Santa Ana River nesting with an adult companion and two eaglets, according to Peter Sharpe, the acting director for the Institute for Wildlife Studies’ Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project.

From Los Angeles Times