Prairie falcon: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Prairie falcon eggs hatch after 29–33 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 36–41 days and are weaned and independent at about 65 days. A typical clutch is 4–5 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 420-1100 |
| Male weight (g) | 420-635 |
| Female weight (g) | 675-1100 |
| Length (cm) | 37-47 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 285-315, f 325-360 |
| Clutch size | 4-5 (3-6) |
| Incubation (days) | 29-33 |
| Fledging (days) | 36-41 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~65 |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-20 |
| Breeding season | Wild W. North America: lays March-May. Captive: March-April; crossed with peregrine and gyr. |
| Sexing | Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids. |
| Moult | Gulf practice: moulting room ("mqeez") mid-April/May to Sept/Oct after the season; one complete moult per year, natural moult starts in the breeding season (females during incubation). |
| Quarry | Gamebirds, ducks, doves, quail. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 4/5 - desert-adapted, used in hybrids to add heat tolerance. |
| Temperament | Aggressive, fiery, sometimes moody; very fast off the fist. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: bumblefoot (perch surfaces), frounce & herpesvirus (no wild pigeons), sour crop (don't overfeed), coccidiosis/worms (routine faecal checks), avian pox (mosquito control/vaccine). Small species chill and lose condition fast - weigh daily. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Pale sandy-brown above, thin dark moustache, white supercilium; in flight dark axillaries/underwing coverts ('dark armpits') diagnostic; juvenile more streaked, grey eye-skin, adult yellow. |
Origin: Western North America — Scientific name: Falco mexicanus
Size: 37-47 cm, 420-1100 g
Breeding and care tips
North American desert hierofalcon; aggressive, fast and heat-tolerant, crossed with gyr and peregrine to add heat tolerance. Rare in the Gulf.
Description
Pale sandy brown above with a clear dark "armpit" under the wing.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Aplomado falcon
- Merlin
Frequently asked questions
How long do Prairie falcon eggs take to hatch?
Prairie falcon eggs hatch after 29-33 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Prairie falcon lay?
Usually 4-5 (3-6) eggs per clutch.
When do Prairie falcon chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 36-41 days old.
When are Prairie falcon chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~65 days.
What is the Prairie falcon breeding season?
Wild W. North America: lays March-May. Captive: March-April; crossed with peregrine and gyr.
How do you tell a male Prairie falcon from a female?
Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids.
How long does a Prairie falcon live?
About 15-20 years with good care.