On the crest of a dun-colored mesa a PRAIRIE FALCON scanned the wide expanse of jade green. Small shallow pools of turquoise, scattered here and there, lured a north bound flock of waders to earth. As their white plumage glinted in the sun, the Falcon shot outward and with short quick wingbeats dashed among the Snipe. They scattered but one delayed for that fatal second which meant the end. Shaking his body as tho re-adjusting feathers, the Falcon rose with a mellow series of triumphant notes hurt-hurt-hurt-hurt, and returned to the butte top to dine a la sauvage. Altho less swift and impetuous than the Duck Hawk, the Prairie Falcon closely resembles that bird in its flight and fondness for solitude. Its favorite haunts are the steep canons and isolated prairie eminences — thrones from which it scans the wide areas below and takes tribute from small rodents and birds. One or more pairs of Ravens are usually found in the vicinity of the eyrie and the Falcons get plenty of exercise chasing the sable marauders.
From eastern border of the Great Plains, westward. North to British Provinces, south to southern edge of United States.