The Prairie Falcon is a medium-sized raptor of open country that occurs year-round in Arizona, favoring arid grasslands, desert scrub, and open foothills. It is distinguished by its pale brown upperparts, whitish underparts with dark axillary patches visible in flight, and a long tail. Prairie Falcons hunt primarily by flying low and fast over open terrain, taking birds such as doves and meadowlarks as well as small mammals including ground squirrels and jackrabbits. In Arizona, they nest on cliff ledges or rocky outcrops, often reusing traditional sites for many years. Their breeding range extends across much of the state, particularly in open areas away from dense forests, and they are most frequently observed in winter when some individuals move into lower elevations. Adapted to dry environments, Prairie Falcons are a characteristic sight of Arizona’s wide-open landscapes, where their swift, powerful flight and piercing calls make them an unmistakable presence.
