Image Credits: BBC
Flex the Falcon is a mascot that holds a special place in all our hearts. This blue falcon, as anatomically incorrect as they may be, is the physical representation of our school’s spirit. But it makes you wonder about the bird our mascot was based on?
The picture above depicts a peregrine falcon, a fearsome apex predator whose territory spans from the cold reaches of North America all the way down to the tropics. The reason they boast such large numbers is because these birds are adaptable and unfussy about their food. They often tackle food as big as them, including large rodents such as rabbits or waterfowl such as ducks. In an astonishing aerial dive, peregrines cut through the air at a whopping 200 miles an hour, making them the fastest creatures on the planet (sorry, cheetahs). They ram into their prey, sometimes killing the unfortunate animal upon impact. Yet animals fortunate enough to survive the peregrine’s crash-bomb will not find themselves so lucky when the peregrine closes in to finish them with its razor-sharp claws and beak.
For avian prey that manages to evade the falcon’s first dive, they must be ready to fly for their lives as their predator often tails close behind, even after an unsuccessful attack. While peregrines reach their top speed as they hurtle downwards, they are no slouches when it comes to the chase. Their aerodynamic build and maneuverability in the air make them the missiles of the bird world. Of course, for non-winged prey, the falcon resorts to its talons, beak, and sheer force to subdue and kill their prey. Their strong, developed neck muscles enable them to clamp down on fleeing animals and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
Oftentimes, the only threats to adult peregrine falcons are humans and larger birds of prey. However, their chicks are defenseless until they can fly. This is why adult peregrines build scrapes, shallow nests, high up in cliffs, and rocky outcrops. With the emergence of skyscrapers and city planning, peregrines have taken advantage of the city and started families atop human buildings. While many birds have unfortunately been driven out because of human activity, these resourceful falcons have taken these changes in strides and now incorporate more rats and pigeons into their diet. Maybe us falcons can learn a thing or two about flexibility from these incredible birds.
Work Cited
The Cornell Lab, The Cornell Lab. “Peregrine Falcon Overview, All about Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.” Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/overview.
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