Prairie Falcon

39-50 cm (16-19") Uncommon. Western prairies, open country.

Large falcon - crow size; light brown above; dark thin sideburns; white throat; spots or streaks on creamy white breast and belly; long, pointed wings; long, banded tail.

Immature: brown above; heavily streaked below.

In flight; all birds show distinctive black wingpits against the light underside.

Catches birds on the wing or on the ground.

Song: harsh series of "ki-ki-ki-ki" notes.

Videos

Images

Credit: Shawn McCready

Credit: Pat Gaines

Credit: Joe

Credit: Bill Bouton

Distribution Maps

Prairie Falcon winter distribution map

Prairie Falcon distribution map