Prairie Falcon - Falconidae Falco mexicanus
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Juvenile Prairie Falcon


Prairie Falcon


Prairie Falcon




Prairie Falcon






Photo Details - ©Nicky Davis
1.  January 5, 2006, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah
 
2., 3. Juvenile (1st year plumage), January 10, 2006 - Faust, Tooele County, Utah
4., 5. February 1, 2004 - Burriston Ponds, Juab County, Utah

Description
L 16 WS 40, In flight, underwing has prominent dark wing linings and armpits (coverts and exillaries) that contrast with light-colored body while overwing has dark back and wings and  lighter  tail. Long pointed wings and long tail. While Perched, Brown back with brown-streaked front.  Dark cheek bar is thinner  than in Peregrine. Also has white behind the eye

Other
Hunts in open arid areas. Catches birds in midair or on ground and mammals after a swift swoop. Lays 2-7 dark marked pinkish white eggs on a nest scraped in a cliff ledge 20-400 feet high. Altricial.  Extremely territorial  while first breeding.


Utah Range Map
click for Range Map color key

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