How fast does a peregrine falcon dive?

Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world, reaching speeds of up to 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour) during their characteristic hunting dive known as a stoop. To put this into perspective, a peregrine falcon can cover the length of a football field in less than half a second while stooping. This incredible speed allows them to catch their prey, which mainly consists of other birds, in mid-air. Their stoops are initiated from great heights, often starting at around 1,500 feet (457 meters) above the ground. During the dive, the falcon tucks its wings in tightly to reduce drag and streamline its body, allowing it to reach its astonishing speeds.