Rebecca Manzi While the peregrine falcon holds the title of the fastest animal due to its incredible speed when hunting, the common swift is the fastest in level flight among birds
@Stefan Berndtsson
The peregrine falcon is undeniably the fastest bird in the world and also holds the title of the fastest animal on the planet. This bird of prey reaches astonishing speeds during a specific hunting maneuver known as the “hunting stoop”.
In this technique, the peregrine falcon flies at a significant height above its prey, usually another bird. It then tucks its wings to minimize air resistance and dives almost vertically with its beak pointed downward.
Just before striking its target, the falcon spreads its wings to slow down and change direction. The highest speed ever recorded during one of these hunting stoops is 242.3 miles per hour, achieved by a peregrine falcon named Frightful in Washington state. This record was set during a National Geographic documentary, where Frightful was released from an airplane at a much higher altitude than typically used in hunting.
Speed records for level flight
However, when it comes to level flight—where the bird flies with outstretched wings without diving—a different bird holds the speed record. The common swift, known for its courtship displays called “screaming parties,” can reach a maximum speed of 69.3 miles per hour. This makes the common swift the fastest bird in level flight.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that the white-throated needletail, a relative of the common swift, might fly even faster, up to 105 miles per hour. However, these data have not been verified with precision, so the common swift officially retains the title.
Mammals in the sky: a Surprising contender
As for mammals, the Brazilian free-tailed bat has reached a speed of 99.4 miles per hour, far surpassing its avian competitors. This bat has defied expectations, proving that mammals can compete with birds even in the skies.
Source: Guinness World Record
