The Peregrine Falcon: Description Text

 From our visits to zoos and nature centers, my own children were always fascinated by peregrine falcons. And why shouldn't they be? Peregrine falcons are amazing creatures, with speed, power, and an amazing survival story.

I featured peregrine falcons in a text set for "Introduction to Text Structure," a multi-level unit aimed at third and fourth grade readers. You can find the formatted text, as well as activities and lesson plans, in this unit. 

Reading level: Third and fourth grade, lexile 520

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 What is the fastest animal on Earth?

Many people would say the cheetah. It’s true that cheetahs are very fast. 

But the fastest animals on Earth don’t run on land. They fly in the air. Peregrine falcons are the fastest!

  Peregrine falcons live all over the world. They all look similar. Peregrines are 1-2 feet tall. They have a wingspan of up to four feet. They have a sharp, hooked beak. Their wings are dark gray to black. They have fine stripes of brown, gray, and white across their chests.

But the most important features of peregrine falcons help them to go fast. Peregrine falcons eat birds. They dive to catch these birds in the air. When they are diving, they can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour. That is as fast as a race car! Their long wings help them to make their fast dives. Special nostrils help them take in air as they dive. And they have a sleek, streamlined shape. 

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals in the world. They are amazing to see—unless, of course, you are a small bird.

by Emily Kissner

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