Peregrine Falcon, fastest bird on earth, spotted in Kawal Tiger Reserve after 5 years
A Peregrine Falcon was spotted in the Kawal Tiger Reserve during the Asian Water Bird Survey, marking its first recorded appearance in five years. Wildlife researcher Dr Venkat Anagandhula photographed the bird perched on a mobile tower near Kistapur Lake.
Published Date - 15 February 2026, 12:46 AM
Mancherial: A wildlife researcher spotted and photographed a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in the Kawal Tiger Reserve during the Asian Water Bird Survey carried out in the forest reserve recently after a gap of five years.
The researcher Dr Venkat Anagandhula, who is also the coordinator of the Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, claimed that he saw the bird sitting on a mobile tower near Kistapur Lake in the Jannaram range under Kawal at the time of the survey. He mentioned that it had been almost five years since they last recorded this bird in the reserve in 2021.
According to the researcher, the Peregrine Falcon is one of the most beautiful and powerful birds of prey in the world. It is known for its strong wings and muscular legs, which enable it to fly at very high altitudes and travel long distances during migration. It can reach speeds of more than 320 kilometres per hour while hunting prey.
Peregrine Falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica. Because of their wide distribution and amazing speed, they are often called the fastest bird in the world. They migrate during the winter season. They travel from the northern parts of the world to warmer southern regions.
Between October and November, many of these birds move to countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. They stay in these regions during the colder months and return to their original breeding areas in March and April when temperatures start to rise. They migrate mainly to escape the harsh winter climate of the north.