Which bird is the fastest animal in a dive, exceeding 300 km/h while hunting?

The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in a dive, exceeding 300 km/h while hunting.

During its characteristic hunting dive, called a stoop, the peregrine folds its wings close to its body and uses gravity, streamlined shape and controlled flight to build extraordinary speed. Carefully measured dives have exceeded 300 km/h, making the species the standard example of extreme animal speed.

Peregrines usually strike birds in mid-air. Their powerful feet can stun or kill prey, while a notched beak helps them sever the spinal cord. Special bony structures around the nostrils help manage airflow during the dive.

The peregrine is not the fastest runner or swimmer, and its record concerns a dive rather than level flight. It is found on every continent except Antarctica and has adapted to cities, where tall buildings resemble natural cliffs.