Which bird is widely recognized as the fastest animal during a hunting dive?

The peregrine falcon is widely recognized as the fastest animal during a hunting dive.

A diving peregrine, called a stoop, can exceed 300 kilometers per hour. Measurements and estimates vary with the method used, but reported dives have reached roughly 320 kilometers per hour or more. The falcon folds its wings close to its body, reducing drag while it drops toward prey.

Peregrines usually hunt birds in flight. Their streamlined bodies, pointed wings, powerful muscles, and excellent vision make them highly effective aerial predators. They may strike prey with a foot rather than grabbing it immediately with both feet.

The species occurs on every continent except Antarctica, giving it one of the broadest distributions of any bird. In the twentieth century, DDT caused major population declines in many regions by weakening eggshells. Restrictions on the pesticide and captive-breeding programs supported a strong recovery in several countries.