Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus Afrikaans Name: Swerfvalk Zulu Name: uHeshe
Although a threatened species and found in low numbers, peregrines are the most widespread of the falcon species and found all over the world. (The word ‘peregrine’ means ‘the wanderer’.) They are also considered the fastest living creature and in Canada a breeder and falconer recorded a powered dive speed of 242 miles an hour with an adult female bird.
The Sanctuary breeds peregrines and has one of it’s own captive-bred males flying on display. Troy is a gentle-hearted tiercel who is typically small and therefore very agile in flight. He flew a season of falconry before retiring to a more sedate life of display flying.