From Opus

Falco mexicanus

Photo by BigSkyBirds

[edit] Identification

40 cm (16 in), wingspan of 1 metre (40 in), and weight of 720 g (1.6 lb). The female is larger than the male. They are sandy brown birds, with pale and mottled underparts. The head has a moustache mark and a white eye line.

Juveniles are similar to adults except that they have dark streaks on the breast and belly and darker, less grey upperparts. The voice is a repetitive kree kree kree…, kik kik kik…

[edit] Distribution

Western North America.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Prairie Falcon outwardly resembles the Peregrine as well as the Old World "hierofalcons", especially the Saker Falcon.

[edit] Habitat

Arid open country, alpine tundra to shortgrass prairie and high desert.

[edit] Behaviour

Its diet includes small animals and birds caught in flight. It nests on cliff ledges. 4 eggs are laid, and are incubated for 31 days. The female incubates and broods, while the male brings food. They fledge between 36 - 41 days after hatching.

[edit] External Links