PRAIRIE FALCON 



355. Falco mexicanus. 18 in. 



A blackish patch on the sides of the throat, similar 

 to that of the Duck Hawk. Above brownish black, much 

 paler and never with the slaty color of the Duck Hawk; 

 below streaked or spotted with blackish brown. These 

 falcons are fairly abundant on the western plains and 

 prairies, and are also found in wooded mountain regions. 

 They are strong and active and will fight fiercely if cap- 

 tured. They live upon small mammals, birds and occa- 

 sionally, grouse. Their flight is very swift and accom- 

 plished by rapid wing beats, with occasional sailings. 



Notes. A cackle, and rapidly repeated " kee-kee-kee." 

 (Bendire). 



Nest. A mass of sticks and trash, on bluffs or rocky 

 ledges, and sometimes in trees; eggs reddish buff, thickly 

 sprinkled and blotched with brown. (2.50x1.60). 



Range. Eastern border of the Great Plains to the 

 Pacific; and from Saskatchewan to southern Mexico. 



215 



