New Forest: World’s fastest animal baby seen taking flight

Daily Echo Camera Club member Jordan Callaghan has been watching a family of peregrine falcons for weeks now, previously snapping an adult male catch a pigeon and pass it to the female.

But now he has managed to see the juvenile birds take flight, and once matured they are the world’s fastest animal, which can reach top speeds of more than 200 miles per hour when diving.

This makes them the fastest member of the animal kingdom, if ranked on maximum speed.

READ MORE: Peregrine falcons spotted passing food in New Forest

Jordan said the baby birds are now starting to do “little test” flights.

Jordan has been following the family for weeks now, saying it has been awesome to see the peregrine falcons grow up. (Image: Jordan Callaghan) “It’s been awesome to watch them grow from little white fluff balls to what they have become,” he said.

“They truly are stunning birds and a real challenge to to photograph.”

Peregrines are also the UK’s biggest falcon, which Hampshire Wildlife Trust says can be told apart through its unique white throat and cheeks, with a distinct black moustache and marks on their face.

They usually nest on coastal cliffs, though they have been known to use tall buildings too.