Shaheen

1. Nombre del ave

Commonly known as the Shaheen Falcon, its scientific name is Falco Peregrinus Pectoralis.

2. Aspecto

The Shaheen Falcon’s plumage exhibits a mesmeric blend of dark slate-blue, slate-grey, and white, which are predominant colors on its body. Its upper body dons shades of dark, slate-blue while the underparts are characterized by barring of white and slate-grey. The basal parts of the feathers have a clear yellow tint. Its beak is notably sharp and hooked, perfect for tearing into prey, and its eyes are dark brown, framed by a contrasting yellow-orange cere. Males and females look similar, although females tend to be slightly larger with thicker legs.

3. Tamaño

Shaheen Falcons are medium to large birds, averaging 38 to 49 cm (15 to 19 inches) in length. Their wingspan measures about 95 to 110 cm (37 to 43 inches), and they weigh between 550 to 1325 grams (19.4 to 46.7 ounces).

4. Hábitat y distribución

The Shaheen Falcon inhabits a broad range throughout the Asian continent, mainly in areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The bird tends to prefer rocky cliffs and crags in hilly or mountainous regions, although they’ve also been observed nesting on man-made structures like skyscrapers.

5. Datos de interés

Interestingly, the Shaheen Falcon doesn’t build its own nest but selects a ledge protected from the elements on a steep cliff or tall building. They’re also known to stoop, or dive down on their prey in mid-air at high speeds of up to 240 km/h (149 mph). Furthermore, the Shaheen Falcon has deep roots in various cultures and is known as a symbol of heroism due to its courageous hunting prowess.

6. Dieta

Primarily, the Shaheen Falcon’s diet consists of other small to medium-sized birds like pigeons, doves, and smaller birds of prey, which it catches in mid-air.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos

These falcons are known for their exceptional flight capabilities. They have a distinctive high-pitched “kee-kee-kee” call that echoes through their hilly habitats.

8. Estado de conservación

Luckily, the Shaheen Falcon is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List, bearing a healthy population currently facing no significant threats.

9. Vida útil

In the wild, Shaheen Falcons can live between 15 and 20 years on average, with the lifespan in captivity often being slightly longer due to a controlled environment and regular healthcare.

10. Notas adicionales

In Hindi, they’re known as Shahin Baaz. These falcons are known to be territorial and solitary birds, largely avoiding human interactions. They also play a significant role in controlling local pigeon population size and other pest species. Furthermore, they’re magnificent and swift hunters, contributing to the dynamic equilibrium of their ecosystem. In their cultural significance, they’re often used in falconry, a hunting practice that has been in existence for thousands of years, predominantly across Middle Eastern cultures. Their existence is also celebrated in many forms of arts and literature, acting as symbols of courage and grace.