A peregrine is a type of falcon, a bird of prey known for being the fastest animal on Earth. When a peregrine falcon spots a pigeon or duck flying below, it folds its wings tight against its body and dives straight down in what's called a stoop. In this vertical plunge, peregrines can reach speeds over 240 miles per hour, faster than a race car on a highway.

Peregrines live on every continent except Antarctica, hunting other birds in midair with incredible precision. They have sharp, hooked beaks and powerful talons for catching prey. These falcons often nest on cliff edges or tall buildings in cities, where they've adapted remarkably well to urban life. If you live in a city with skyscrapers, there might be peregrines nesting nearby, helping control pigeon populations.

In the mid-1900s, peregrines nearly went extinct because of pesticide poisoning, but conservation efforts brought them back, a genuine success story in protecting endangered species.