woodfalcons


( Family Falconidae )




Aplomado FalconAplomado Falcon ( Falco femoralis )

The Aplomado Falcon can be identified in flight by the long, pointed, and rather narrow wings. The long banded tail resemble young Mississippi Kites. The crown of the head is marked with a slate gray color. Patches on the sides sometimes extend across the chest. Ranges over southern Texas and Arizona.










Gyr FalconGyr Falcon ( Falco rusticolus )

The Gyr Falcon is a heavily built bird. The wings are broader than in the Peregrine or Prairie Falcon. The Gyr Falcons tail is very long and when perched it extends beyond the wings, it may or may not be barred.
The plumage of the Gyr Falcon varies from white to gray. This bird inhabits open tundra areas of northern Canada and preys chiefly on other birds. It may occasionally be seen as far south as the US/Canada border.








Peregrine FalconPeregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus )

The Peregrine Falcon can be identified by its very distinct helmet formed by a black crown and nape, and a wedge that extends down below the eye. Plumage varies from pale to very dark. Peregrines inhabit open wetlands near cliffs and prey chiefly on ducks, shorebirds and seabirds. Ranges over Alaska and northern Canada and the western US. It is uncommon to rare in winter in the U.S.











Prairie FalconPrairie Falcon ( Falco mexicanus )

The Prairie Falcon can be identified by its creamy white, heavily mottled underparts and its brown back.They inhabit dry, open country such as prairies. They prey chiefly on birds and small mammals. Ranges over the western half of the U.S. and occasionally the southern areas of British Columbia and Alberta.










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