The prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) is a medium-sized falcon found in Western North America. A separate species from the peregrine falcon, with which it shares some visual similarities, the prairie falcon is, essentially, an arid-climate divergence of earlier peregrine falcon lineage.

A raptor of the West’s wide-open spaces, Prairie Falcons glide above shrubby deserts and grasslands searching for ground squirrels and other small mammals and birds. In flight, look for the dark triangle of “armpit” feathers that distinguish it from other light-colored falcons.

The Prairie Falcon is nearly the size of the famous Peregrine, but differs in its hunting behavior, often pursuing small prey with rapid, maneuverable flight close to the ground. Although it is characteristic of desolate plains and desert wilderness, this falcon has also adapted to altered landscapes: in winter, it is often seen flying over ...

A raptor of the West’s wide-open spaces, Prairie Falcons glide above shrubby deserts and grasslands searching for ground squirrels and other small mammals and birds. In flight, look for the dark triangle of “armpit” feathers that distinguish it from other light-colored falcons.

Large, brown-and-white falcon of dry, open areas in western North America. Pale brown above and white below, with dark streaks and prominent mustache. Note the dark armpits to separate from Peregrine Falcon.

The Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) is a medium-large sized falcon from North America. Having evolved in a harsh desert environment with low prey density, the Prairie falcon has developed into an aggressive and opportunistic hunter of a wide range of both mammal and bird prey.

The Prairie Falcon hunts unsuspecting prey via low-level flights and angular stoops conducted in expansive arid and semi-arid landscapes. The "sandy" cousin of the Peregrine Falcon, the Prairie sports a light brown back and paler tail than the Peregrine, coloration that helps it blend with surrounding rocks, sand, and dry grasses and shrubs ...

Nov 8, 2024 · The Prairie Falcon often shares its nesting cliffs with Common Raven (Corvus corax), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). The hardy Prairie Falcon has always made its living in lands that are susceptible to periodic droughts.

Nov 8, 2024 · Large, pale brown falcon. Length 37 to 47 cm (n = 41); wingspans 90–113 cm (n = 102); masses 420–1,100 g (n = 686). Eye is large and dark; relatively large squarish head. When perched, wingtips fall short of tail tip.

Prairie Falcons are uncommon breeders in the shrub-steppe zone of eastern Washington, rarely moving up into the Okanogan and Methow Valleys. Look for them where there are basalt coulees with cliff faces for nesting. In summer, alpine meadows are a good place to find them.