Bat Falcon vs Peregrine Falcon
Falco rufigularis compared with Falco peregrinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Bat Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Falco rufigularis | Falco peregrinus |
| Order | Falconiformes | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae | Falconidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 43.0 cm (16.9 in) |
| Wingspan | 39.8 cm (15.7 in) | 104.0 cm (40.9 in) |
| Weight | 169.25 g (5.97 oz) | 750.0 g (26.46 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with … |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Bat Falcon only
Peregrine Falcon only
Peregrine Falcon
Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.
Song & Call Comparison
Bat Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.
Geographic Range & Migration
Bat Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Conservation Status
Bat Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
How to Tell Them Apart
Bat Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.
Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere
About These Birds
Bat Falcon
The Bat Falcon is a compact, fast-flying falcon found from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina. It has slate-black upperparts, a rufous breast and belly, and a distinctive white throat patch. As its name suggests, it specializes in hunting bats at dusk, as well as swifts, swallows, and large insects caught in aerial pursuit.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.