Good morning, worm. My name is Early. Often spotted perched on high places, like the Washington Monument, peregrine falcons are skilled hunters and daring fliers. Peregrine falcons are one of the largest and most powerful species of falcon. They hunt either by chasing their prey or by diving on it from a great height in a movement called a ‘stoop’. Due to their speed, peregrine falcons aim not to catch their prey but to stun it with a blow (falcon punch!) before grabbing it as it falls. Did we mention they’re fast? They can exceed speeds of 200 miles per hour during a hunting dive. Image: A peregrine falcon flying over the National Mall. NPS/Gracie Housman #washingtondc #washingtonmonument #nationalparkservice #birdsofinstagram #peregrinefalcon #birds