The Prairie Falcon is a large, pale brown falcon of the open West, adapted to hunting in wide, flat country by pursuing birds and mammals in long, low stoops. Dark axillary patches — 'wingpit' marks — are distinctive in flight. It is an aggressive nest defender and is commonly found nesting on cliff faces and eroded badlands throughout the West.
Best time to see a Prairie Falcon
The best time to see a Prairie Falcon is October–February, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,952 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Prairie Falcon? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Prairie Falcon sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Prairie Falcon?
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