Cheetah vs Peregrine Falcon
Quick answer
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Cheetah would most likely come out on top decisively, thanks to its more dangerous natural weapons and greater size and power. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.
This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.
Mammal
Vulnerable
Bird
Least ConcernEcology and habitat
Peregrines nest on cliffs and skyscrapers hunting birds mid-air; cheetahs chase gazelles on African plains. Both are specialised speed predators.
Peregrines dive at 320+ km/h but weigh under 1.5 kg; cheetahs sprint on land at 110 km/h. Different media — air versus ground — make fights meaningless. Each is the speed champion of its element.
Cheetah vs Peregrine Falcon compared
| Attribute | Cheetah | Peregrine Falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 65 kg | 900 g |
| Length | 2.2 m | 50 cm |
| Top speed | 110 km/h | 389 km/h |
| Strength | 50/100 | 22/100 |
| Deadliness | 65/100 | 35/100 |
| Intelligence | 64/100 | 45/100 |
| Lifespan | 12 yr | 15 yr |
Cheetah vs Peregrine Falcon: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a Cheetah or a Peregrine Falcon?
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Cheetah would most likely come out on top decisively, thanks to its more dangerous natural weapons and greater size and power. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight. Peregrines dive at 320+ km/h but weigh under 1.5 kg; cheetahs sprint on land at 110 km/h. Different media — air versus ground — make fights meaningless. Each is the speed champion of its element.
Which is bigger, the Cheetah or the Peregrine Falcon?
The Cheetah is heavier, weighing around 65 kg compared with the other's 0.9 kg.
Which is faster, the Cheetah or the Peregrine Falcon?
The Peregrine Falcon is faster, reaching about 389 km/h versus 110 km/h.
Which lives longer, the Cheetah or the Peregrine Falcon?
The Peregrine Falcon typically lives longer, up to around 15 years compared with 12 years.
Which is faster?
A hunting stoop makes the peregrine the fastest animal overall; the cheetah is fastest on land.
Would they ever meet?
Only by chance at a kill — neither preys on the other.
Sources & references
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; size, weight, speed, and lifespan figures are drawn from Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) and Nowak, Walker’s Mammals of the World (Johns Hopkins University Press), cross-checked against each species’ own guide. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:
- Cheetah — full guide
IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, Acinonyx jubatus)
- Peregrine Falcon — full guide
IUCN Red List (Least Concern, Falco peregrinus)
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Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for Cheetah and Peregrine Falcon.
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Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Standard reference for body size, weight, and life-span ranges.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
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