This children’s article, Built for Speed: Nature’s Fastest Animals, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about amazing animals, and discover which creatures are the fastest on land, in water, and in the sky. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Meet the fastest animals in the world!
Get ready to race through the animal kingdom! In this article, we’ll meet the fastest animals on land, in the sea, and in the sky. These speedy creatures have special bodies built for one thing: going really, really fast. Let’s find out who the true champions of speed are!
Cheetah – the fastest animal on land
If you’re talking land speed, nothing beats the cheetah. This big cat can sprint up to 75 miles per hour (120 km/h), that’s as fast as a car on the motorway!
A cheetah has a light body, long legs, and an extra-flexible spine that lets it stretch its body with each stride. Its claws work like spikes on running shoes, gripping the ground as it runs. But it can only keep this speed for a few seconds.
Sailfish – the fastest animal in the sea
Underwater, the sailfish is the speedy champ. It can swim at over 68 miles per hour (110 km/h), which is faster than many speedboats!
Its long, pointed bill (like a sword) helps it cut through water, just like its close relative, the swordfish. The sailfish also has a large fin on its back, called a sail, which helps it steer and stay balanced as it zips through the ocean.
Peregrine falcon – the fastest of all
The fastest animal on Earth isn’t on land or sea, it’s in the air. The peregrine falcon can reach speeds of over 240 miles per hour (386 km/h).
This bird of prey uses a special hunting move called a stoop, where it tucks in its wings and dives from high up in the sky to catch prey. Its sleek shape and strong chest muscles help it dive like a feathered missile. No other creature comes close to this speed.
From sprinting cheetahs to soaring falcons, nature is full of incredible speedsters. Each of these animals is perfectly designed to move fast in their own environment—on land, in the sea, or through the air. They remind us just how amazing the natural world can be!
Article vocabulary list
- Sprint – to run very fast for a short time
- Flexible – able to bend easily without breaking
- Claws – sharp nails on an animal’s feet
- Bill – a bird or fish’s beak or mouth part
- Fin – a flat body part that helps fish swim
- Steer – to guide or control direction
- Prey – an animal that is hunted by another
- Stoop – a fast dive used by birds to catch prey
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What is the top speed of a cheetah?
a) 60 mph
b) 75 mph
c) 100 mph
Answer: b) 75 mph
2. What helps a cheetah grip the ground?
a) Its tail
b) Its flexible spine
c) Its claws
Answer: c) Its claws
3. How fast can a sailfish swim?
a) 40 mph
b) 68 mph
c) 120 mph
Answer: b) 68 mph
4. What part of the sailfish helps it cut through the water?
a) Its tail
b) Its bill
c) Its fins
Answer: b) Its bill
5. What is a peregrine falcon’s special hunting move called?
a) Glide
b) Flap
c) Stoop
Answer: c) Stoop
6. How fast can a peregrine falcon dive?
a) 150 mph
b) 200 mph
c) Over 240 mph
Answer: c) Stoop
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
