The sleek Peregrine Falcon arguably is the fastest bird in the world. It dives for prey at 200 miles per hour or more, often using its clenched foot to stun, kill, or break the wing of a duck or other medium-sized bird in flight.
This falcon likes to capture its wounded prey in the air, but will let an injured heavy target fall to the ground for the coup de grace.
Falcons have been held in awe throughout history and deified in ancient religions. For example, the Egyptian god Horus often was depicted as having a falcon’s head. (Brooklin, Maine)