Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Description
Prairie Falcons are large, pale brown falcons with dark eyes. Brown streaks cover their white chest and the undersides of their wings. They have a distinct black malar marking, or streak, under each eye as well as dark ear patches and a white area between their eyes and ears.
Diet
Small to medium rodents, small rabbits, and small to medium sized birds make up the majority of their diet.
Migration
These falcons can be found in Colorado year round.
Breeding
Prairie Falcons do not build a true nest, but scrape depressions in cavities and on cliffs that have overhangs. They will typically return to the same nesting spot year after year. Females lay four to five eggs per brood. The young will stay in the nest for five to six weeks before fledging.