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Falco mexicanus
These medium sized birds of prey are common to the wide open areas of the American West. At first glance, they may look similar to the peregrine falcon, although considerably smaller. Their plumage is a dappled cream with brown and gray streaks. The underside of the body is lighter and has less mottling. Male prairie falcons will grow up to 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length. Females are larger, measuring almost 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length.
During mating season, the falcon will be both loud and aggressive. Both males and females will produce piercing screeches (“kree-kree-kree”) during courtship. Once they have mated and established a nest, they will ferociously drive away any interlopers including much larger raptors like great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.
Their diet consists mainly of rodents, small mammals and other birds. They will glide over the landscape, sometimes as low as 10 feet off the ground, in order to spot their prey. Their very large wingspan — up to 3.5 feet (1.1 m) in length — aids in this hunting strategy, and allows the falcon to lift prey considerably larger than itself.
Range and Habitat
Prairie falcons can be found throughout the western United States in a variety of ecosystems and habitats. They prefer areas with rocky cliffs and outcrops for nesting, and will hunt in more open areas like prairies, grasslands, deserts and scrublands. They can occasionally be found around agricultural areas, hunting for rodents who are attracted by crops and seeds.
Conservation Status
Common.
Along with its cousin, the Peregrine falcon, this bird was widely affected by the pesticide DDT during the mid-twentieth century. The chemical caused thinner eggshells resulting in a high mortality rate among unhatched chicks. Although the prairie falcons numbers plummeted at the time, its population has rebounded and is now considered stable.
Falco mexicanus
These medium sized birds of prey are common to the wide open areas of the American West. At first glance, they may look similar to the peregrine falcon, although considerably smaller. Their plumage is a dappled cream with brown and gray streaks. The underside of the body is lighter and has less mottling. Male prairie falcons will grow up to 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length. Females are larger, measuring almost 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length.
During mating season, the falcon will be both loud and aggressive. Both males and females will produce piercing screeches (“kree-kree-kree”) during courtship. Once they have mated and established a nest, they will ferociously drive away any interlopers including much larger raptors like great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.
Their diet consists mainly of rodents, small mammals and other birds. They will glide over the landscape, sometimes as low as 10 feet off the ground, in order to spot their prey. Their very large wingspan — up to 3.5 feet (1.1 m) in length — aids in this hunting strategy, and allows the falcon to lift prey considerably larger than itself.
Range and Habitat
Prairie falcons can be found throughout the western United States in a variety of ecosystems and habitats. They prefer areas with rocky cliffs and outcrops for nesting, and will hunt in more open areas like prairies, grasslands, deserts and scrublands. They can occasionally be found around agricultural areas, hunting for rodents who are attracted by crops and seeds.
Conservation Status
Common.
Along with its cousin, the Peregrine falcon, this bird was widely affected by the pesticide DDT during the mid-twentieth century. The chemical caused thinner eggshells resulting in a high mortality rate among unhatched chicks. Although the prairie falcons numbers plummeted at the time, its population has rebounded and is now considered stable.