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Shaheen falcon facts for kids

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Shaheen falcon
FalcoAtricepsKeulemans.jpg
Territorial bird of Gilgit-Baltistan, Symbol of Pakistan Air Force
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Scientific classification
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Falco peregrinus peregrinator

The shaheen falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinator) is a special type of peregrine falcon. People also call it the Indian peregrine falcon. Other names include the black shaheen, Pakistani shaheen, or just shaheen.

This bird does not migrate, meaning it stays in one area. It is a subspecies of the famous peregrine falcon.

About the Shaheen Falcon

The shaheen falcon is a powerful and fast bird. It is known for its amazing hunting skills. These falcons are very quick flyers. They can dive at incredible speeds to catch their prey.

Where the Shaheen Falcon Lives

You can mostly find the shaheen falcon in hilly and mountainous areas. These regions are in the Indian subcontinent. This includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It also lives on the nearby island of Sri Lanka.

Special Meanings in Pakistan

The shaheen falcon is very important in Pakistani culture. It has a special link to the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He was Pakistan's national poet. He often used the shaheen as a symbol of strength and freedom in his poems.

The Pakistan Air Force also uses the shaheen as a symbol. It represents their power and speed. In Gilgit-Baltistan, a beautiful northern region of Pakistan, the shaheen is the unofficial bird. This shows how much people there admire this magnificent falcon.

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