A medium falcon historically much more common in southern Texas; populations crashed.

Also called: Aplomado

Native status: Native; federally endangered (northern subspecies)

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–45 cm (12–18 in); wingspan 78–102 cm
WeightMales 210–305 g; females 310–460 g
LifespanWild 10+ years
OrderFalconiformes
FamilyFalconidae

§ Encyclopedia

The aplomado falcon is a medium-sized falcon of the Americas. The species' largest continuous range is in South America, but not in the deep interior Amazon Basin. It was long known as Falco fusco-coerulescens or Falco fuscocaerulescens, but these names are now believed to refer to the bat falcon. Its resemblance in shape to the hobbies accounts for its old name orange-chested hobby. Aplomado is an unusual Spanish word for "lead-colored", referring to the blue-grey areas of the plumage; an approximate English translation would be "plumbeous falcon". Spanish names for the species include halcón aplomado and halcón fajado ; in Brazil it is known as falcão-de-coleira.

Source: Wikipedia — Aplomado falcon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium falcon with bold black-and-white facial pattern, dark crown, white throat, dark "vest" across white chest. Long tail.

Similar species. American Kestrel (smaller, rufous back). Merlin (smaller, no vest pattern). Peregrine Falcon (much larger).

Voice. Sharp "ki-ki-ki-ki" near nest; otherwise quiet.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small birds (most prey), large insects (especially dragonflies and grasshoppers), small mammals, reptiles. Often hunts cooperatively with mate.

Behavior. Once present across grasslands of southwestern US; extirpated by ~1950 due to habitat loss and DDT. Successful captive-breeding and release program by The Peregrine Fund has established a recovering wild population in south Texas. Pairs perform aerial courtship displays.

§ Range

Northern Mexico, southern Texas

§ Habitat

Open grasslands, desert

§ Threats

Habitat loss, pesticide drift.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the aplomado falcon is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support reintroduction programs.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • The Peregrine Fund Aplomado Falcon Restoration
  • USFWS Recovery Plan
  • IUCN Red List 2018