Falco mexicanus
The Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) is a formidable raptor of western North America's arid landscapes, characterized by its streamlined body, pointed wings, and relatively long tail, measuring 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) in length with a wingspan of 35-43 inches (89-109 cm) and weighing 1.3-2.6 lbs (590-1180 g). Its plumage features a sandy-brown back, often with a grayish tint, contrasting with a creamy white belly heavily streaked with dark brown, and a distinctive dark "mustache" mark below i...
Primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, shrub-steppe, deserts, and open country with nearby cliffs or bluffs for nesting, from sea level up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in elevation.
Feeds primarily on small to medium-sized birds (e.g., larks, starlings, pigeons) and small mammals (e.g., ground squirrels, chipmunks), captured through high-speed aerial pursuit or stoops.
Prairie Falcons are diurnal hunters, typically spending nights roosting on cliff ledges or sheltered perches. Their foraging strategy involves swift, low-level flight over open terrain, often surprising prey, or using powerful stoops from a high perch or soaring flight to capture unsuspecting bir...
The Prairie Falcon's breeding range spans western North America, extending from southern Canada (southeastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan) through the vast Great Plains and intermountain West of the United States. In the U.S., they breed across states including Montana, Wyoming, Color...
Least Concern
- The Prairie Falcon is one of the fastest birds in North America, capable of reaching speeds well over 100 mph (160 km/h) in a stoop. - Unlike many falcons that primarily hunt birds in the air, Prairie Falcons frequently hunt ground squirrels and other terrestrial mammals, often chasing them dir...