By: Adalyn Xiao

If I could choose an animal to turn into, I would choose the peregrine falcon. Turning into a peregrine falcon would mean being the fastest known animal on Earth. Being a peregrine falcon would allow me to experience the exhilaration of high-speed flight, reaching speeds of up to 240 miles per hour during dives called stoops. Flying at such speeds will ensure I can cover long distances quickly.

These falcons are also excellent at hunting because they have keen eyesight so as to spot prey from far away. Peregrine falcons have sharp talons that let them capture their prey (pigeons, doves, ducks) in midair. Their eyesight would help me to find things easily from faraway, and their talons would help me grasp tightly on things.

Furthermore, Peregrine falcons are also adaptable to many habitats, such as coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, and urban environments. Their adaptability would allow me to explore a variety of different landscapes. A few places I would visit would be the Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China, Mt. Everest, and the Eiffel Tower.

As a young falcon, there are a few predators that are dangerous to them. Two examples are Golden Eagles and Great Horned Owls, both larger birds of prey. Humans are also a large threat to peregrine falcons. Humans lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbance. During migration, there are additional challenges like harsh weather, power lines, and wind turbines.

Turning into a peregrine falcon would mean many high-speed flights, successful hunting, and exploring different places, but becoming one also has downsides.