Common name: PRAIRIE FALCON
Scientific name: Falco mexicanus
Identifying characteristics:
The crown, the sides of the head, the back and the white-tipped tail, are all brown, with many of the back feathers light-edged, and the outer tail feathers buff-barred.
Range:
The species occurs thoughout the western half of North America, from central British Columbia to Saskatchewan in Canada, and western North Dakota south to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and down into Mexico.
Habitat:
Prairie Falcons prefer in inland arid steppes and plains up to about 1,200 feet, provided there are cliffs of rocky outcrops suitable for nesting.
Nesting:
The birds nest on cliffs, usually with an overhang, a pothole, or a cave, and making a slight scrape for their 4 or 5 eggs. Occasionally they will use an old nest of some other species. Sites average about 35 feet above the cliff base.
Feeding habits:
They prey on small to medium-sized birds and mammals, supplemented by lizards and large insects. Almost all prey is captured on the ground.
Conservation status:
Maintaining reasonable numbers.
