What is the fastest bird in Alberta?

When it comes to speed, birds in Alberta can really get up and go. There are a few contenders for the title of fastest bird in the province. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the quickest birds in Alberta and see which one comes out on top.

Key Factors in Bird Speed

There are a few key factors that allow certain bird species to achieve incredibly fast flight speeds:

• Wing shape – Long, pointed wings optimize aerodynamics for speed.
• Body size – Smaller birds tend to be faster than larger birds.
• Powerful flight muscles – More muscular birds can flap their wings faster.
• Low body fat – Less fat leads to a higher power-to-weight ratio.

Birds that are built for speed often exhibit some or all of these traits. The fastest fliers tend to be sleek, compact birds with long wings for their size. Powerful pectoral muscles allow them to vigorously flap their wings to propel themselves to high speeds.

Top Contenders

Here are some of the birds with a claim to the title of fastest in Alberta:

Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon is renowned as one of the fastest birds in the world. When diving in pursuit of prey, peregrines can reach speeds over 320 km/h. Their long, pointed wings and streamlined bodies allow them to slice through the air with ease. Peregrines are a common sight in Alberta, nesting on tall cliffs and hunting on the wing.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

A small but mighty accipiter hawk, the sharp-shinned is built for agility and speed in dense, forested habitats. At high speed chases, sharp-shins can hit well over 100 km/h. Their short rounded wings provide nimble maneuverability. Sharp-shinned hawks are common year-round residents of Alberta.

Merlin

The merlin is a small falcon species that relies on rapid acceleration and straight-line speed to catch bird prey in mid-air. Merlins are estimated to hit speeds around 160 km/h in full stoops. Their slim profiles and long wings equip them well for speed. Merlins can be found in Alberta during spring and fall migrations.

American Kestrel

American kestrels are tiny falcons, but they pack a lot of speed into their compact frames. Kestrels can dive at speeds over 120 km/h. They have long, tapered wings and streamlined bodies adapted for rapid flight. American kestrels are common year-round residents in Alberta.

Speed Trial: Measuring Top Speeds

actually calculating exact top speeds for bird species poses some challenges. But scientists have developed some methods to measure bird flight speed:

• High speed cameras – Capturing successive frames of birds in flight and measuring position/time to calculate speed.
• Wind tunnels – Recording bird flight in controlled wind tunnel environments.
• Tail-mounted transponders – Attaching devices to record in-flight speed data.
• Direct observation – Using radar guns or timing over set distances.

These techniques have yielded measurements of top speed for a variety of bird species. The records tend to come from observations of birds diving to catch prey. The tables below show some of the highest reliably recorded speeds for contender birds in Alberta:

As the data shows, the peregrine falcon clocks in with by far the fastest observed speed, over 200 km/h faster than its closest competitor. The peregrine’s specially adapted physiology and anatomy allow it to reach speeds unmatched by any other Alberta bird.

Peregrine Falcon: Built for Speed

So what exactly makes the peregrine falcon so blazingly fast? Here’s a closer look at how the peregrine’s attributes enable speed:

Aerodynamic Body Plan

The peregrine has an streamlined, aerodynamic body shape that minimizes drag in flight. Key design features include:

• Sleek, teardrop-shaped profile
• Lightweight, compact body
• Long, narrow wings
• Minimal protruding feathers
• Wide, fanned tail

This optimal body contouring allows air to flow smoothly over the peregrine’s body in flight.

Powerful Flight Muscles

A peregrine falcon has an incredibly powerful breast (pectoral) muscle that makes up 15-20% of its body weight. This massive muscle drives the falcon’s wingbeats and enables it to flap its wings with immense power and speed.

Steep Diving Angles

Peregrines reach their highest speeds when diving steeply upon prey. By folding back their wings and minimizing drag, they can accelerate downwards at a 45 degree dive angle or more.

Precision Maneuverability

While built for speed in a stoop, peregrines are also highly agile. Their precise maneuvering aids them in hitting small, fast-moving prey mid-air.

Hunting Style and Prey

The peregrine falcon uses its unmatched speed to catch avian prey:

• Surprises prey by diving at high speeds from above
• Catches birds in mid-air with talons
• Favored prey includes doves, ducks, shorebirds
• May also eat small mammals and insects

This powerful diving technique enables the peregrine to surprise and overwhelm its prey before escape is possible. Even fast flying birds stand little chance against a peregrine stooping at nearly 400 km/h.

Threats and Conservation

While they are now recovered, peregrine falcons suffered major declines in the mid 1900’s due to DDT pesticide poisoning. Their populations have rebounded since DDT bans. Ongoing threats include:

• Habitat loss
• Climate change
• Collisions with urban structures

Key conservation actions to protect peregrines include:

• Habitat protection around cliffs and shorelines
• Nest boxes and hacking programs
• Reducing urban hazards

With sustained conservation work, the world’s fastest bird will continue racing across Alberta’s skies for generations to come.

Conclusion

The peregrine falcon stands in a league of its own when it comes to speed among Alberta birds. With its aerodynamic profile, powerful flight muscles, and diving speed exceeding 300 km/h, the peregrine is unmatched in its combination of swiftness, precision, and aerial agility. This incredible speed allows peregrines to hunt other birds with deadly efficiency. Protecting habitat and reducing anthropogenic threats will help ensure Alberta continues to harbour falcons with record-breaking flight speeds into the future.