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Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Prairie Falcon: note the dark armpits

General Description: Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus) are big, gray-brown falcons of the open desert with a dark mustache mark, a bold eye stripe, and dark brown under the wings (dirty armpits). Prairie Falcons have a white eyeline, which is not present on Peregrine Falcons, and the mustache mark on a Prairie Falcons is narrower than the face mask on Peregrine Falcons. If you see a big falcon, check the armpits.

Falcons are recognized from other birds of prey by the long, narrow, pointed wings. Even at great distances, the wings identify this bird as a falcon. The dark armpits identify this as a Prairie Falcon.

Taxonomy: Falconiformes, Falconidae, Falconinae

Favored Habitat: Open areas with places to perch. Nest on cliffs in the desert and mountains.

Where to Find: Fairly common, usually seen hunting in the open desert.

Comments: Prairie Falcons are bird hawks.

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) If you were a tasty bird or maybe a ground squirrel, this might be the last face you ever see!
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Prairie Falcon with lunch
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Prairie Falcon in flight
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Prairie Falcon resting on a power pole
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Prairie Falcon resting on a power pole
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 231005

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