The fastest animal on earth is the peregrine falcon. This remarkable bird is capable of reaching speeds of over 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour) during its characteristic hunting stoop, or high-speed dive. The peregrine falcon's aerodynamic body, sharp talons, and keen eyesight make it a formidable predator. It hunts by diving towards its prey, often birds in flight, with astonishing speed and precision. While it is the fastest in the animal kingdom in terms of speed while diving, other animals, like the cheetah, hold records for ground speed, making comparisons across species fascinating yet complex.