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Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Note light-colored armpits (compare with Prairie Falcon)

General Description: Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) are big falcons of the open sky that hunt other birds and sometimes bats. Peregrines are dark above, light under, and have a dark hood and mustache mark. The wing-pits (armpits) are white (compare with Prairie Falcons, which have a dark armpit). If you see a big falcon in the desert, check the armpits.

Falcons are recognized from other birds of prey by the long, narrow, pointed wings.

Taxonomy: Falconiformes, Falconidae, Falconinae

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Favored Habitat: Open areas with places to perch. Nests on cliffs and urban buildings.

Where to Find: Fairly common around Las Vegas. Here, they are most often seen hunting in the urban jungle and on cliffs above the Colorado River. Out in the desert, listen for them -- they are often heard long before they are seen.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) If you were a tasty bird or a little bat, this might be the last face you ever see!
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult: note dark hood and barred front
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult: note lack of dark patches in the wing-pits
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon at rehab facility; Dunedin, Florida
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon at rehab facility; Dunedin, Florida
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult; notice horizontal barring
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon surveying its domain from a stick
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult: note the barring on the front
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon juvenile: note streaking on the front
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult: note the dark mask
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Note the bold, black hood and swept-back, pointed wings
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon landing on the top of a dead tree
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Note the elevated alulas (bird thumbs) and those long toes!
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine in evening light catching bats at the Grand Canyon
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon adult: note the dark mask
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Putting on the air brakes ...
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
... before landing on a high ledge
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon on a stick in a marsh
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon on burned Joshua Tree
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon surveying its domain from a ledge
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon surveying its domain from a stick
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon at nest site
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine Falcon sitting on her nest

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240110

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