Aplomado Falcon


 
Name: Aplomado Falcon
Scientific name:Falco femoralis
Range: Southern Texas and New Mexico to the southern tip of South America
Habitat : Grasslands containing some trees and shrubs
Status: Endangered since 1986
Diet in the wild: Insects and small birds
Diet in the zoo: Quail 
Location in the zoo: Brush Country  section of the Texas Wild Exhibit

 
 
Physical description

Males
Length: 15 in. 
Weight: 9 oz. 

Females
Length:  17 in.
Weight: 14.5 oz.

The Aplomado Falcon's most distinguishable 
features are the white streaks that start over its eyes. 
The streak gives the falcon the look of wearing a mask. 
It can also be differentiated by its long tail and its white
upper body.   Aplomado means dark grey in Spanish. 
Aside from the sporadic white streaks on the falcon, 
the entire bird is dark grey. 


 
 
General information:

Aplomado Falcons tend to hunt in pairs.  They can occasionally be seen hunting in larger groups, however this is a rarity.  Because of this, they are known as semi-gregarious. They can attack their prey with equal efficiency whether it is in the air or on the ground.  It is a very skilled walker, and can hunt down much of its prey on foot, if needed. 

 
Behavioral adaptations:
  • Aplomados have not been found creating their own nest.  When the Aplomado is found in a nest, it is most likely that it had been abandoned or taken by force. 
  • Has a reputation of being a fighter. Aplomados often start fights among themselves simply for fun.  
  • Most Aplomados lay between 2-3 eggs. The eggs usually take about a month to hatch and 4-5 weeks to be able to leave the nest. 

Aplomado Falcon at the Ft. Worth Zoo

 

Comments about the Aplomado Falcon of the Fort Worth Zoo:

The Aplomado Falcon, which is on loan at the Ft. Worth Zoo, was unfortunately not out when I went to see it.  However, it can usually be seen in the Texas Wild Exhibit from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily


 
 
Source Materials and Related Links:

 
 
Page author:Andrew Eppler

Send E-mail to:  epp00@hotmail.com 

or to mac@whozoo.org


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