Falcons and Hawks

Copyright Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 1999

Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus) ~ A large falcon that is found worldwide.  They have bluish-grey backs, white to yellow underparts that are barred with black, and a white mark on the side of their face.  The females are quite larger than the males. These are the fastest birds in the world, being capable of exceding speeds of 320 km/h.  The peregrine faced extinction because of pesticides.  They have now recently been taken off of the endangered species list.

Canadian Peregrine Foundation Homepage
Discovery Online- Peregrine Falcons
Division of Endangered Species- Recovery of Peregrine Falcon
EEK!- Protecting the Wild Ones- Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon at Auburn University
Peregrine Falcon News and Information
Peregrines Fly Off of Endangered Species List
Regina Peregrine Falcon Project
The Peregrine Falcon is Back!

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) ~ This is the world's largest falcon.  It lives in the Artic and a few central Asian highlands.  The coloring of the bird can be from pure white with black speckles to a more dark greyish with barrings.  It's diet includes rodents, artic birds, and hares.  The falcon is the official mascot of the U.S. Air Force Acadamy.

These are my two favorite types of falcons.  Both of them are used in the art of Falconry.  Below are some links to pages and sites about falcons and hawks.