Bathing behavior of nesting prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus) in southwestern Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Holthuuzen, Anthonie M. A.; Duley, Peter A.; Hagar, John C.; Smith, Scott A.; Wood, Kristin N.

Source:

Wilson Bulletin, Wilson Ornithological Society, Volume 99, Issue 1, p.135-136 (1987)

Call Number:

A87HOL03IDUS

URL:

https://sora.unm.edu/node/130483

Keywords:

Falco mexicanus, Prairie Falcon

Abstract:

During 1984 and 1985 we observed 24 Prairie Falcon pairs nesting in the Snake River Birds of Prey Area (BOPA), in southwestern Idaho, from egg laying and incubation through brood rearing until the chicks were 35 days of age (a total of about 4400 h of observation). During this period we recorded 34 dustbaths: 4 were taken by males (3 different individuals) and 30 by females (8 different individuals). All dustbaths were taken on sections of cliffs where a layer of sandstone was exposed and a ledge was available. On 28 May 1985 we saw a female Prairie Falcon drink water and take a bath in a depression in a rock, where water had collected after a rainstorm the previous day. The general scarcity of standing water in areas inhabited by Prairie Falcons may force them to take dustbaths, but apparently they prefer to bathe in suitable pools or puddles when available.

Notes:

Reference Code: A87HOL03IDUS

Full Citation: Holthuijzen, A. M. A., P. A. Duley, J. C. Hagar, S. A. Smith, and K. N. Wood. 1987. Bathing behavior of nesting prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus) in southwestern Idaho. Wilson Bulletin 99(1): 135-136.

Location: ANIMAL EF: BIRDS