RANGE | Prairie falcons are found throughout most of North America and into parts of Mexico and Baja California but their numbers are decreasing in recent years.

FUN FACTS | Since Prairie falcons do not dive from high altitudes like their cousin, the peregrine falcon, they do not hunt as many kinds of birds. Prairie falcons often hunt by powerfully flapping across open areas, hugging ground contours to avoid being seen by their prey. Their diet is mainly rodents and small rabbits but they will occasionally prey on burrowing owls and small songbirds. They will live in grasslands and plains as well as deserts and agricultural areas, particularly where there are cliffs for nesting and roosting. These falcons will travel from higher and lower elevations, or even nearby habitats, depending on food availability and season.

Icarus was scorched when flying over a solar farm in Nevada. The burns left him blind in one eye and caused permanent damage to his left wing and foot. After nearly 3 years of care and treatment, it was determined that his injuries would make it impossible for him to survive in the wild on his own. They contacted us and he recently came to WildMind in 2018.

Since most of his experience with people has been restraint and medicating, he is now learning to develop trust and comfort with people. Icarus can be quite shy and, when we bring in new enrichment toys, he usually waits until he is alone before checking them out. He seems to really like small items that he can move around and things he can shred.

SPECIAL NEEDS | Since his injuries were so extensive, we carefully monitor his feet and wing to make sure no old wounds can become an issue.

In the wild, prairie falcons are often observed playing with various items they find in their environment, such as sticks, pinecones and similar objects. Since play is typical of these birds, it is not surprising that Icaus enjoys toys as well. He likes the smaller dog toys that he can carry to different areas in his enclosure. They still need to be pretty heavy duty or he will quickly destroy them. He is intrigued by items that we hang in his space, creating mobile-like items that move with the wind or his weight made from tubes and small toys. He hasn’t quite figured out puzzle feeders yet but we have no doubt that he will.