What type of prey do wild peregrine falcons primarily hunt?

Wild peregrine falcons primarily hunt birds, making this the correct answer. They are known for their exceptional speed and aerial agility, allowing them to effectively chase down avian prey in flight. Their hunting technique often involves a spectacular stoop, where they dive at high speeds to strike their target, which is usually other birds such as pigeons, songbirds, and waterfowl.

The specialization of peregrine falcons in hunting birds is a critical aspect of their ecology and behavior. Their keen eyesight enables them to spot prey from great distances while in the air, making them formidable predators in their habitats.

Other options, while they may represent types of prey, do not reflect the primary hunting focus of peregrine falcons. Mammalian prey, reptiles, amphibians, and fish may occasionally be captured by peregrines, but their adaptations and hunting strategies are distinctly aligned with catching flying birds. This specialization not only defines their role in the ecosystem but also highlights their extraordinary adaptations as birds of prey.