What’s the fastest animal on Earth?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, peregrine falcons have been known to dive at speeds in excess of 217 miles per hour! Why do they do this? To kill other birds for food. Peregrine falcons, also known as duck hawks, circle high in the sky, then tuck their wings in and dive down on smaller birds like finches, pigeons, or gulls. With their talons (claws) exposed, peregrines usually kill the other birds instantaneously. They basically turn themselves into bird missiles — which can leave a cheetah or gazelle in the dust!