Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
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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 wingpits (armpits) are white (compare with Prairie Falcons). 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 |
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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 urban jungle. Out in the desert, listen for them -- they are often heard long before they are seen. |
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Peregrine Falcon in flight. Note the pointed wings, light-colored armpits, and bold black face mask. In Prairie Falcons, the underarm area is dark. This feature can be used to separate these two species at great distances. |
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Peregrine in evening light chasing bats at the Grand Canyon. Note the bold, black hood. |
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Peregrine has long, narrow wings that are built for speed. |
 Peregrine Falcon surveying its domain |
 Peregrine Falcon in flight |
 Peregrine Falcon landing on the top of a dead tree |
 Note the elevated alulas (bird thumbs) and those long toes! |
 Peregrine Falcon on a stick in a marsh |
 Peregrine Falcon on burned Joshua Tree |
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more to come ... |
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
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© 2012 Jim Boone; Last updated 111218
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