The aplomado falcon is a medium-sized falcon of the Americas. The species' largest continuous range is in South America, but not in the deep interior Amazon Basin. It was long known as Falco fusco-coerulescens or Falco fuscocaerulescens, but these names are now believed to refer to the bat falcon. Its resemblance in shape to the hobbies accounts for its old name orange-chested hobby. Aplomado is an unusual Spanish word for "lead-colored", referring to the blue-grey areas of the plumage – an approximate English translation would be "plumbeous falcon". Spanish names for the species include halcón aplomado and halcón fajado ; in Brazil it is known as falcão-de-coleira.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Mexico through Central America to much of South America, avoiding the deep interior of the Amazon Basin. Prefers open and semi-open habitats such as savannas, desert grasslands, coastal prairies, pampas, and open scrub. Often uses scattered trees, yuccas, or fence posts as hunting perches and will exploit human-made structures. It avoids dense forest and closed-canopy interiors, favoring edges and mosaics of grass and shrub. Reintroduced populations occur locally along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Southwest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The aplomado falcon resembles the Old World hobbies, with long wings and a banded, rufous-and-slate plumage. Its name comes from Spanish for “lead-colored,” referring to its bluish-grey upperparts. Pairs often hunt cooperatively, flushing and pursuing prey in coordinated chases. Once extirpated from the U.S., it has been reintroduced to parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Illustration from Pacific Railroad Surveys
Narita Road - Trinidad
Aplomado falcon at the THA Meet '09
Temperament
bold, agile, and highly alert
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs and noted for cooperative hunting between mates. Territorial around nest sites, which are usually old stick nests of other birds, cliffs, or platforms on trees or yuccas. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs; the female incubates while the male provides food.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Typical calls are sharp, ringing kek-kek-kek notes, accelerating in alarm. Also gives high-pitched chatters and squeals during territorial and pair interactions.
