Prairie Falcon

Description:

This is a medium sized falcon...plumage on the underside is white with mottled brown, as pictured. The upper side has blue-gray feathers on the wings, with a brownish upper back. The head exhibits a slanted dark line under the eyes.

Habitat:

This bird was spotted in an urban part of southwest Las Vegas, on a golf course. Its normal habitat in this area during the winter is low desert and occasionally in towns, per the attached Wikipedia article. This is the first I have spotted anywhere here in the Mojave Desert.

Notes:

There are large flocks of coots in this area in the winter, and I assume this bird was following them. Per the attached Wikipedia article..."This species is often used in falconry. Although it is considered hard to train and unpredictable, it's the most popular falcon in the United States, due to its abundance and relative ease to acquire. It is also valued for its aggressiveness. Oservers of wild birds and veterinarians agree with falconers that it is one of the most aggressive raptors."