The prairie falcon is a medium-sized falcon found in Western North America. A separate species from the peregrine falcon, with which it shares some visual similarities, the prairie falcon is, essentially, an arid-climate divergence of earlier peregrine falcon lineage. It is thus able to thrive on a more meager, opportunistic diet compared to that of the peregrine, and is generally lighter in weight than a peregrine of similar wingspan. Having evolved in harsher and desert environments, often with low prey density, the prairie falcon has developed into an aggressive and opportunistic hunter of a wide range of both mammalian and avian prey, as well as occasional reptiles. It will regularly take prey from the size of sparrows or finches to birds approximately its own weight, and occasionally much larger.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Found from the Great Basin and deserts of the American West across the Intermountain region to the western Great Plains, and into northern Mexico and southern Canada. Prefers open country such as prairies, sagebrush steppe, badlands, desert basins, and open agricultural lands. Nests mainly on cliffs, canyon ledges, and badland outcrops, but may also use human-made structures. Avoids dense forests and heavily urbanized cores, favoring expansive vistas for hunting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The prairie falcon is a swift hunter of open, arid landscapes and is often confused with the peregrine falcon, but shows dark 'armpit' patches on the underwings and a paler, sandy overall tone. It thrives on an opportunistic diet, shifting between ground squirrels and birds depending on season and availability. Revered in falconry for its speed and tenacity, it nests primarily on cliffs and canyon walls. Its ability to exploit sparse prey in deserts and sagebrush steppe sets it apart from many other falcons.
A prairie falcon in Arizona.
soaring
Juvenile Prairie Falcon, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Larimer County, Colorado
Temperament
aggressive and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
powerful flier with short rapid wingbeats and long glides; capable of high-speed stoops and contour-hugging surprise attacks
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season. Pairs form on cliff territories; nests are scrapes on ledges or in old stick nests of other species. Typical clutch is 3–6 eggs; the female incubates while the male provides most food early in the cycle. Post-fledging, young remain near the nest while being fed and learning to hunt.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh and sharp, with repeated kek-kek-kek alarm calls near the nest. Also gives chattering scolds and rasping notes during territorial interactions. Generally quiet away from breeding sites.
Plumage
Sandy-brown above with pale edging, buff to whitish below with brown streaking; conspicuous dark axillary (underwing) patches in flight. Tail lightly barred and pale; facial moustache weaker than in peregrine. Overall plumage gives a warm, sandy appearance suited to arid environments.
Diet
Takes a wide range of prey including ground squirrels, gophers, small rabbits, doves, starlings, blackbirds, and larks. Diet shifts seasonally, often focusing on ground squirrels in spring and switching to birds later in the year. Will seize reptiles and large insects opportunistically and may cache surplus prey. Hunts by low, fast contour flight, surprise rushes, and high-speed stoops from altitude.
Preferred Environment
Hunts over open grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert basins, and edges of agricultural fields. Frequently works along cliff faces, ridgelines, and canyon rims where updrafts assist soaring. Uses scattered perches such as rocks, cliff ledges, and utility poles to scan for prey.
