FALCONS 
145 
355. Prairie Falcon. i.e faucon des prairies. Falcn mexicanus. L, about 18, 
Like a pale or faded Peregrine. Much like the juvenile of that species, but more white 
Distinctions. Recognizable as a falcon 
by toothed bill (Figure 211) and pointed 
wing (Figure 210). Rather variable in 
size, but, considering above distinctions, 
likely to be confused only with the Pere- 
grine Falcon. Similar in colour pattern to 
that species, but exhibits little change due 
to age. In any plumage the darker colours 
are in faded or light browns instead of dark 
brown, black, or bluish grey. Below, the 
dark markings are less extensive, and 
never predominate over the white. Like 
the much rarer and larger Oyrfalcon, the 
first primary is shorter than the third, 
instead of being equal to or longe’r. 
Field Marks. Recognized as a falcon 
by sharp, triangular wings, fairly long tail, 
seldom spread in flight, rapid wing beat 
without sailing, and the repetition of a 
single harsh note when agitated. Very 
much like the Peregrine Falcon in size, 
outline, and action (See Figures 175 — -8 and 
215), from which it is best distinguished in 
life by its pale, sandy coloration. In flight 
the underwing surface shows a decided, 
dark patch formed of the dark or smoky 
axillaries. 
Nesting. On cliffs, in crevices, or 
under overhanging ledges, in the most arid 
localities. 
Distribution. Western North America, south to southern Mexico. In Canada, the 
prairie regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta and the valleys of southern British Columbia. 
The Prairie Falcon is the prairie and desert representative . of the 
Peregrine and resembles that species in many ways. It has the same 
bold dash and gallant hardihood, but shows more inclination to prey on 
small mammals, instead of birds. On occasions it even turns seriously to 
grasshoppers and the crop of at least one specimen examined by the writer 
was filled with these insects. Of 8 other stomachs examined: 3 contained 
game-birds; 5, other birds; 2, mammals; and 2, insects. The above is 
not a very reassuring record for the species, but the Prairie Falcon is a bird 
of the arid wilds and except in the neighbourhood of typical bad lands is 
rarely numerous enough to have any decided economic effect. The greatest 
complaint that can be normally laid against it is its tendency to visit the 
vicinity of grain elevators on the edges of prairie towns, and prey upon the 
domestic pigeons attracted by the spilled grain. 
356. Peregrine Falcon, le faucon pklkrin. Falco peregrinus. L, about IS. 
Plate XVI B. Adult: slaty blue above, slightly barred and lightest on rump, darkening 
to black on crown anti tip of tail. Below, white to cream, sharply barred with black on 
abdomen, flanks, and thighs. 
Juvenile: dark brown above, slightly feather-edged with lighter. Below, dark brown, 
with broad feather-edges of cream, producing a striped effect but tending to bars on 
flanks. Breast, flanks, and upper abdomen with dark predominating; throat and lower 
abdomen lighter. 
Distinctions. Recognizable as a falcon by toothed bill (Figure 211) and pointed wing 
(Figure 210). Rather variable in size, but with above distinctions only likely to be con- 
fused with the Prairie Falcon. The juvenile Peregrine, however, is a dark brown, instead 
