What is the fastest bird in a dive?

What is the fastest bird in a dive? The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in a dive, reaching well over 300 km/h during a hunting stoop.

Peregrine falcons use this spectacular plunge to strike other birds in midair. Before diving, one may climb high above its target, fold its wings close to the body, and accelerate steeply downward. Its streamlined shape, pointed wings, and powerful flight muscles help reduce drag while it falls.

The species occurs on every continent except Antarctica and has adapted to habitats ranging from Arctic tundra to major cities. Urban peregrines often nest on tall buildings, which resemble the cliffs they traditionally used. Their prey is usually caught in flight, including pigeons, ducks, and other medium-sized birds.

The white-throated needletail is among the fastest birds in level flight, while golden eagles can also dive at impressive speeds. Neither is the standard canonical answer to the fastest-bird-in-a-dive question: that distinction belongs to the peregrine falcon.