Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

Photo by aplomado2u

Identification:

15-18" (38-45.5 cm). W. 40-48" (102-122 cm). Like a small, long- tailed, boldly patterned Peregrine Falcon. Adult blue-gray above, with bold "mustache" on face, white eyebrow, and black stripe through eye. Nape rusty; throat white; upper breast buff with heavy streaks; lower breast and flanks black; thighs and belly cinnamon. Young birds brown above, streaked on breast, plain brown on flanks.

Habitat:

The Aplomado Falcon inhabits areas of open grassland, savanna, and shrub-steppe from tropical lowlands up to 12,000 feet. Aplomados historically ranged from southwest United States, through Central America, and across most of South America. These falcons had become extinct in the northern extent of their range. The Peregrine Fund is reintroducing this falcon into its northern range.

Diet:

Aplomado Falcons feed predominately on birds and insects. These falcons often search for prey from a perch, then swoop down to catch it. Aplomados will also steal food from other raptors and mated pairs will hunt together. Uneaten food will be hidden for later meals.

Reproduction:

Aplomado Falcons do not build their own nests, but use abandoned stick nests made by other birds. The female most often lays 2 - 3 eggs that are incubated approximately 31 - 32 days. Young birds fledge from 4 - 5 weeks after hatching.Range Formerly ranged from southeastern Arizona to southern Texas southward to Argentina.

Voice:

A rapid kak-kak-kak-kak.

Discussion:

Usually found perched on a tall cactus or telephone pole. When it flies off in alarm, or in pursuit of prey, it often dips down and courses low over the ground. Most of its diet consists of small birds, but it also takes reptiles and large insects. Most active at dawn and dusk.

Identification

Location: Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Mexico

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