This falcon is about the same size as our common Peregrine Falcon. Found in the Okanagan of BC and in much of the western half of the United States, is sometimes encountered on the coast in our area mainly in the winter months.

Similar species:
Juvenile Peregrine Falcons lack the bluish wings and back of adults but do have a strong helmet and wide mustache.which Prairie Falcon's lack. The tundra population of juvenile Peregrine Falcon is paler brown and has a lighter face which appoaches how a Prairie Falcon may look. Note a paler breast on a Prairie Falcon, especially on an adult, and when in flight, all ages show dark underwing coverts and axillaries. See photos below. Interior populations of Merlin may be similarly coloured but Merlin are much smaller.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Sibley, D. 2000

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