The fastest creature on earth, or to be more precise above it. The bird has been recorded at speeds of around 200 mph when diving, or stooping vertically at prey flying below.

Indeed, the peregrine stoops to conquer and almost invariably kills its chosen victim instantly, either by biting its head or knocking it to the ground with partially open talons.

In order to protect its eyes from wind pressure when plunging at such fantastic speeds, the bird boasts a semi-transparent third eyelid that can be closed.

Prey species vary but feral pigeons comprise the major part of its diet.

Following near extinction in the nineteen-sixties as a result of ingesting pesticides, the bird has made a steady recovery within the past fifty years and breeding pairs have spread nationwide.

They famously began nesting on the south bank of the Thames several years ago and now, Kingston-upon-Thames, Croydon, Sutton, Hammersmith and many town centres play host to a pair where commercial high-rise buildings with flat cluttered roofs suit them admirably acting as substitute sites for traditional cliff - face nesters.

Enjoying a virtual worldwide distribution, the peregrine has the distinction of being the most widespread of all birds in a number of sub-species.

In fact, the name 'peregrine' comes from the Latin 'peregrinus', meaning traveller or wandering falcon.