- Falco mexicanus
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…
Distribution
Western North America.
Taxonomy
The Prairie Falcon outwardly resembles the Peregrine as well as the Old World "hierofalcons", especially the Saker Falcon.
Habitat
Arid open country, alpine tundra to shortgrass prairie and high desert.
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.
