Based on the provided reference, the second fastest animal on Earth is the Golden eagle.
According to the list of fastest organisms, the Peregrine falcon holds the top spot, reaching speeds up to 389 km/h (242 mph). The Golden eagle follows as the second fastest, with recorded speeds ranging from 240 to 320 km/h (150–200 mph). These incredible speeds are typically achieved during their hunting dives.
Here is the list from the reference showing the top ranked animals by maximum speed:
Top Ranked Fastest Animals
| Rank | Animal | Maximum speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peregrine falcon | 389 km/h (242 mph) |
| 2 | Golden eagle | 240–320 km/h (150–200 mph) |
| 3 | White-throated needletail swift | 169 km/h (105 mph) |
| 4 | Eurasian hobby | 160 km/h (100 mph) |
Understanding the Speed
It's important to note that these speeds, especially for the top two, are often achieved during a dive, known as a stoop in falconry. This differs from level flight speed. The Golden eagle's impressive speed allows it to be a highly effective hunter, capable of catching prey as large as deer fawns or goats by using the speed and force of its dive.
For more details on these fascinating animals and their speeds, you can refer to the Fastest animals - Wikipedia page.
