Aplomado Falcon Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  The Aplomado Falcon is a medium-sized, long and slender falcon that is about the same size as a Cooper's Hawk. This square-headed falcon has a long, rounded tail and long pointed wings. The long tail extends well beyond the wings when perched.

  Relative Size

  Larger than an American Kestrel, smaller than a Prairie Falcon.

  crow-sized

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 15.0-16.9 in (38-43 cm)
    • Weight: 7.3-17.6 oz (208-500 g)
    • Wingspan: 35.0 in (89 cm)

  © Ian Davies / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  A colorful falcon with a bold black-and-white striped face. Adults are dark brown to slate blue above and tricolored (white, black, and rufous) below. A dark band separates the white to buffy chest from the rusty lower belly. The tail is striped black and white, as are the underwings when seen in flight.

• Behavior

  Flies with strong, somewhat fluttering wingbeats similar to an American Kestrel. Chases birds with great speed in the air and hunts prey on foot. Tends to perch on the inner branches of trees and on fence posts. Sometimes perches on the ground.
• Habitat

  In the United States, Aplomado Falcons are found in desert and coastal grasslands with scattered yuccas and mesquites.

  © Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay Library

Regional Differences

The northern population of Aplomado Falcons (from the southern U.S. to Belize and Guatemala) has a complete black breast band and a bluish gray back. Populations in Central America and throughout South America have an incomplete breast band and tend to have paler backs. Populations in the Andes of South America have a narrow, incomplete breast band and darker (less blue) backs.

Regional Photos

© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryJunín, November 28, 2009

© Brian SullivanTexas, November 13, 2011