Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus

The Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) is a medium-sized raptor found in western North America. It is known for its swift flight and remarkable hunting skills, preying on small mammals and birds. This bird of prey has a distinctive pale face, dark malar stripe, and bluish-gray upperparts. Its underparts are finely streaked, and it has a broad, dark axillar patch. The Prairie Falcon is an adaptable species, inhabiting a variety of open habitats including grasslands, deserts, and cliffs. It is often seen perched on prominent rock outcrops or in flight, scanning the ground for potential prey. This species is not currently considered at risk and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Open grasslands, deserts, cliffs

Prairie Falcon
© Greg Schechter from San Francisco, USA · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0