The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), also known as the peregrine, is a cosmopolitan bird of prey in the family Falconidae. The peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching speeds of over 200 mph during its characteristic hunting stoop, making it the fastest extant member of the animal kingdom. It is a large, crow-sized falcon, with a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and "moustache". Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies which vary in appearance and range. Typical of