This is now an uncommon bird of the plains and the short grass prairies as well as the desert areas of North America. During the summer months, in Alberta, the Prairie Falcon lives in the arid southeast and in the Rocky Mountain foothills, formerly at least, as far north as Jasper National Park. By October, most migrate southward, but in some winters a few remain and appear at sites as far north as Edmonton.
Prairie Falcons occur in southern Alberta where cliffs offer secure nesting sites along major rivers at places such as Medicine Hat and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, or the Oldman and Sheep Rivers. Formerly, they nested at Raven Rocks in Fish Creek Provincial Park, within Calgary. After wintering in the southern USA and Mexico, the males arrive as early as March to reclaim their former nest site. Prairie Falcons are very vocal and are often heard screaming high overhead at the intrusion of people, long before their presence is known. In the winter, most move south, following populations of Horned Larks, one of their most important food items. Those that occasionally winter in Alberta may be seen pursuing flocks of Rock Pigeons or other birds anywhere in urban or rural areas. At that time, they frequently are seen perched in the open on utility poles.During the breeding seasons, Prairie Falcons consume small to medium size birds. Horned Larks and American Pipits are their main food items. Mammals, such as ground squirrels are also taken. While some prey is captured in aerial pursuit, most is caught on the ground, in surprise, since they fly low over the uneven terrain, appearing unexpectedly at the last moment.The nest is almost always on a cliff, a high rock face or other formation, preferably with a cave-like overhang and the opening facing southward. Occasionally an abandoned crow or other raptor nest in a tree may be used. Normally, the four to five reddish white eggs are laid on the bare ground. Incubation takes 29-31 days, mostly by the female. The nestlings are fed by both parents. They leave the nest when about 40-42 days old.
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Where to find Prairie Falcons in Alberta
Of the five species of falcon found in the Calgary area, Prairie Falcons are the least likely to be found in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. At best, this species should be considered rare; at worst, absent. Upon further investigation, most reports for this species in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area turn out to be either Merlins or Rock Pigeons. Brent Johner
Please Report the Prairie Falcons You See in Alberta
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No observations regarding Prairie Falcon behavior have been submitted to the database yet.
Interesting Facts about Prairie Falcons
Most raptor species have a preferred prey species. In the case of the Prairie Falcon, the preferred prey species is the Horned Lark. It is the general absence of this species within the city of Calgary that makes the occurence of Prairie Falcons equally rare within city limits. Brent Johner
Prairie Falcon Stories from our Readers
No stories regarding Prairie Falcons have been submitted to the database yet.
Prairie Falcon Sounds
No sounds for this species in our library at this time.
KEN OAKES
for serving as the society's PRESIDENT this year