Bird · GBIF taxon 2481000
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanusThe Prairie Falcon is a pale brown falcon with pointed wings and dark axillary patches visible beneath the wing bases. It hunts low and fast over open arid country, taking ground squirrels, small birds, and other exposed prey.
aridland falconcliff nesterhigh-speed hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- ground squirrels
- small birds
- lizards
Predators
- golden eagles
- great horned owls
- larger falcons
ThreatsCliff disturbance, shooting, electrocution, collisions, rodent poisoning, and loss of open habitat
HabitatsDesert, sagebrush steppe, prairie, canyon country, open mountains, and agricultural plains
Life spanOften five to ten years, with some wild birds living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFalconidae
- SpeciesFalco mexicanus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- View nesting cliffs from established routes and avoid repeated approaches or playback.
Responsible observation
- Flight: Look for pointed wings and dark patches at the underwing bases.
- Hunting: Scan low over open ground rather than only high in the sky.
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