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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine falcon. Greek: πετρίτης. Lindos, June 2004.
Resident, sparse distribution. Length 35-60 cm, wingspan 75-120 cm (female significantly larger than male). Sexes similar. Nests on cliffs and high offshore rocks. Mates for life, uses same nest in subsequent years. Usually hunts over sea in early and late hours, also at night during migration periods. Takes small to medium-size birds by characteristic “hunting stoop” (high soaring followed by high-speed sky diving). Can reach speeds well over 300 km/h when diving (fastest animal on Earth). Trains young in hunting by passing prey talon-to-talon in flight or dropping it for juvenile to catch in mid-air. Occasionally feeds on small mammals, reptiles. Used in falconry for over 3,000 years. Easy to train, eager to hunt. Circles above falconer waiting for game to be flushed. Strength and hunting style allows it to capture prey larger than itself.
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