PRAIRIE FALCON Falco mexicanus (Schlegel) 



Order: FALCONIFORMES Family: FALCONIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Medium sized hawk with long pointed wings and long 

 tail. Generally pale gray coloration, lighter below, with conspicuous dark patches on 

 under sides of wings where they join the body. Flies with rapid but shallow wing beats. 



Present distribution : Breeds from central British Columbia east to southern Saskatchewan 

 and south to Baja California and northern Texas . Winters throughout breeding range and 

 southward to central Mexico . 



Former distribution : Same, but less localized. 



Status : Has disappeared from many localities within its overall range . 



Estimated numbers : No estimates . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Usually 4 or 5 eggs per set. Insufficient data available 

 to determine nesting success. 



Reasons for decline : Not fully known . Hard pesticides and resulting decline in 

 production of young a factor in some areas . Young taken for falconry. 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by federal law and laws of some states. 



Measures proposed : Study to determine decimating factors. Better nest protection. 

 Status surveys . 



Number in captivity : Not known, although certainly a number in zoos and in the 

 possession of falconers . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Bent, A. C. 1938. Life histories of North American birds of prey (Part 2). 



U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 170: 482 pp. (18-42). 

 Craighead, J. J. and F . C. Craighead. 1956. Hawks, owls, and wildlife. 



Stackpole Co., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Wildlife Management 



Institute, Washington, D.C. 



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