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Prairie Falcon
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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: Falco mexicanus

The Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae.

Description[]

Slightly smaller than the Peregrine Falcon, compared to which it has more rounded wingtips, the Prairie Falcon has brown upperparts and streaked, creamy white underparts. It has dark axillaries and coverts on the underside of the wing. It measures 37-47 cm in length, has a 90-113 cm wingspan and weighs 0.42-1.1 kg in mass.

Behaviour[]

Feeding[]

It mainly feeds on ground animals such as rodents, quails and larks, which it hunts for by flying low over the ground, but will sometimes also catch birds in flight.

Breeding[]

The breeding season occurs in early to mid Spring. Just like the majority of falcons, the Prairie Falcon does not build its own nest; instead, it utilizes another bird's abandoned nest or a cavity in a cliff to lay its eggs in. About 5 eggs, reddish and mottled, are laid and incubated for a month. The eggs and chicks are taken care of by both parents, though mostly by the female.

Movements[]

Prairie Falcons do not have any specific wintering territory but they make trips throughout the year to reach areas where prey is available. Some may cover long distances in doing so.

Distribution and Habitat[]

Found in Mexico and in the south-western United States. It lives in open, dry habitats, including meadows and prairies with rocky cliffs. It also frequents agricultural environments, especially in winter.

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