Aplomado falcon9/13/2023 The northern subspecies was first described from a specimen taken in 1887 near Ft. It has ranged into the desert grasslands and coastal prairies of the southwestern United States. The aplomado falcon has a wide geographic distribution that includes most of South America and parts of Central America. Similarly, sparser ground cover provides less cover for prey. Taller trees provide better perches from which to spot prey. Individuals nest in trees with a density of 19 per 100 acres (40 hectares) and an average height of 29.5 ft (9 m). In central Mexico the falcon has been found in open pine woodland. In the United States, the species was found in the coastal prairies along sand ridges, in woodlands along desert streams, and in desert grasslands with scattered mesquite and yucca. Associated trees are the oaks, acacias, or palms. This falcon prefers open rangeland and savannah -semi-arid grasslands with scattered trees and scrub growth. The incubation period lasts about a month nestlings fledge within 40 days of hatching and remain dependent for another month. In the United States, most egg laying was recorded in April or May. Most clutches of two or three eggs are laid in March through May. In eastern Mexico, falcons nest during the dry season from January to June, producing eggs throughout this time. These falcons do not construct their own nests but must depend on the availability of platforms and nests constructed by other hawks, ravens, or jays. Courtship consists of aerial displaying by the male, and mutual soaring and diving by the pair. When nesting, they usually hunt close to their nest -within 546.8 yd (500 m). Like most raptors, the species is territorial during the breeding season, likely remaining in the same area throughout the year in eastern Mexico. Aplomado falcons have occasionally been observed stealing prey from other birds -a practice known as kleptoparasitism. Males and females sometimes hunt together: while the male hovers overhead, the female pursues the prey by hopping along the ground. The approach ranges from a slow flapping flight to a full-powered sprint. The northern aplomado falcon typically glides horizontally from tree perches in pursuit of small birds and insects. Although the bird feeds heavily on insects, smaller birds make up over 90% of the diet in terms of bulk. BehaviorĪplomado falcons are predatory and feed on birds, insects, rodents, small snakes, and lizards. femoralis -are found south of Central America and can be distinguished from the northern aplomado falcon by different dimensions, by the configuration of the abdominal bands, and by the relative darkness of their plumage. This is intermediate in size between the American kestrel and peregrine falcon. The northern aplomado is the largest of the three, displaying a body length from 14.9-16.5 in (38-42 cm) and a wingspan from 40-48 in (102-122 cm). The aplomado falcon ( Falco femoralis ) has been divided into three subspecies. Feet are bright yellow and the sexes are similar, with males noticeably smaller than females. The lower breast sports a broad, blackish band or cummerbund with small, whitish crossbars. The northern aplomado falcon is a distinctive bird of prey dull red underparts, a gray back, a long and banded tail, and a striking black and white facial pattern distinguish adults. Raptor with boldly marked head, gray back, and long, banded tail.īirds, insects, rodents, other small animals. Northern Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis septentrionalis Status
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