A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Falco mexicanus Schlegel
Falco mexicanus is found throughout the western United States as well as parts of Mexico and Canada. It is commonly found in the desert and prairie regions of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. In the United States, Falco mexicanus is found from North and South Dakota south to Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Sightings in Manitoba, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana have been recorded as well.
In spring and fall migrations, prairie falcons prefer open grassland habitats, although they are found in forested habitats in Canada during migrations as well. In winter, prairie falcons prefer open desert and grassland habitats. Prairie falcons breed in open, arid grasslands with cliffs and bluffs for nesting. Nesting sites are commonly shared with common ravens (Corvus corax), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), and red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).
Spotted on Jul 3, 2011
Submitted on Jul 3, 2011
1 Comment
That looks like a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk to me. Also, Prairie Falcons are generally found in the Western US.