Common Name: Aplomado falcon
Scientific name: Falco femoralis
Identifying characteristics:
The upperparts are bluish-gray, interrupted by a buff-white stripe running round the back of the head from behind the eyes. The throat and cheeks are buff-white, with a dark maler stripe. The buff breast is separated from the tawny belly and thighs by a more or less complete band of white-tipped black feathers, and the white-tipped, almost black tail is crossed by several narrow white bars. The eye color varies from yellowish to dark brown, and the legs are deep yellow.
Range:
Although the species formerly had a much greater North American range, it is now rare, and restricted to the southwestern U.S., and parts of Mexico. In fall, birds breeding in the U.S. and northern Mexico migrate to join the larger South American population.
Habitat:
This is a bird of open country with scattered trees and cacti, and of woodlands and light forest.
Nesting:
The species always lays its 2 or 3 eggs in the unused stick nests of other species.
Feeding habits:
Flying birds and insects are their main prey, but it is also known to take small terrestial mammals and lizards.
Conservation status:
Endangered.
