What do Peregrine falcons eat? How do they get their food?
Peregrines eat birds and other things that fly. In Ohio we know falcons prey on mourning doves, starlings, pigeons, woodpeckers, red-winged blackbirds, yellow-billed cuckoos, cedar waxwings, meadowlarks, chimney swifts, woodcock, and even a big brown bat! A Peregrine will typically fly above its prey, then fold its wings and dive or “stoop” at the other bird and strike it with a half-closed foot. The falcon then retrieves the stunned or dead bird in mid-air. Peregrines are also swift fliers that can simply fly up behind their prey and grab it in mid-flight.
Peregrines eat birds and other things that fly. A peregrine will typically fly above its prey, then fold its wings and dive or stoop at the other bird and strike it with a half-closed foot. The falcon then retrieves the stunned or dead bird in midair. Peregrines are also swift fliers that can simply fly up behind their prey and grab it in mid-flight.
