THE PEREGRINE FALCON

THE PEREGRINE FALCON

Speech topic: The Peregrine Falcon

Specific purpose: to inform my audience about the size, appearance, range, hunting and eating habits,
and other characteristics.

INTRODUCTION

ANECDOTE -- One afternoon an American pilot stationed in Germany was in a free dive with his jet,
engines on but not propelling him downward faster than gravity would allow. He looked
out to his side and saw a small bird in a dive nearby. He was surprised to see a bird this
close to the plane, but not nearly as surprised as he was when he noticed that it was going
faster than him, literally passing him. It was a Peregrine Falcon.

BODY

I. Falcons are the most streamlined birds of prey.

A. The Peregrine Falcon has been determined to be the fastest moving animal known to man.

1. It has been clocked electronically traveling at 217 miles per hour in a dive of 45 degrees in
Germany.

2. It has been calculated that a Peregrine may be able to reach speeds upwards of 250 miles per
hour in a vertical stoop, or dive.

3. The Peregrine's ability to reach such speeds poses more problems than one might think. It
does not merely have to be streamlined; the bones, sinews, and muscles must be able to
withstand the forces put upon them during maneuvering and braking and its senses must be
highly refined and its reactions quick.

4. It also has to breathe during its dives. For this its...

THE PEREGRINE FALCON

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