The Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) is a medium-sized falcon native to the Americas. Its range extends from southern Arizona and Texas in the United States south through Mexico and Central America to South America as far south as Argentina. Though once widespread, the Aplomado Falcon suffered significant population declines in the 20th century due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other factors. However, focused conservation efforts have helped stabilize and even increase populations in some areas. If you want to see an Aplomado Falcon in the wild, here is some information on the best places to spot this unique raptor.
Where to Find Aplomado Falcons in the United States
In the United States, Aplomado Falcons are restricted to southern Texas and a reintroduced population in southern New Mexico and Arizona. Here are some of the top spots for seeing them:
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge protects vital Aplomado Falcon habitat in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It was one of the last remaining strongholds for the falcons in the U.S. before they were extirpated in the 1950s. Reintroduction efforts began in the 1980s and have succeeded in establishing a small breeding population on the refuge. The paved Wildlife Drive makes birding easy. Peak viewing is November through March.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
Though less reliable than Laguna Atascosa, Aplomado Falcons are sometimes spotted at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas Gulf Coast. Driving the auto tour route and checking the open coastal prairie habitat provides the best chance of sighting one. Early winter is the optimum viewing season.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Bitter Lake NWR is one of the release sites for Aplomado Falcons reintroduced in New Mexico starting in 2006. Several pairs now breed in the grasslands and desert scrub habitat of the refuge. Late winter is when the falcons are most conspicuous as they engage in courtship and nesting behavior.
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
In 2013, San Bernard NWR became the first reintroduction site for Aplomado Falcons in Arizona. As the population has grown, the chances of observing the elegant falcons hunting over the grasslands has increased. Winter and early spring offer the best viewing opportunities.
Where to Find Aplomado Falcons in Mexico
Mexico is the stronghold for Aplomado Falcons, with several thousand pairs scattered through suitable dry, open habitat throughout the country. Some of the best places in Mexico to observe them include:
El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas
This park protecting cloud forests and tropical ecosystems has regular sightings of Aplomado Falcons along the road to Gomez Farias. Scan fence posts and power lines at dawn or dusk to catch a glimpse. The winter dry season is peak viewing time.
Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo
Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island and protected area off the Yucatan Peninsula. Daily boat trips provide opportunities to see Aplomado Falcons nesting in the island’s mangroves and hunting offshore. Their numbers on Isla Contoy have increased in recent years.
Parque Nacional Sierra Gorda, Queretaro
Aplomado Falcons breed in low densities in the open habitat of Sierra Gorda. Search for them perched on the many crags and cliffs of the national park’s scenic landscapes. Late winter and early spring are the most reliable times to find them.
Location | State/Province | Habitat | Best Viewing Season |
---|---|---|---|
Laguna Atascosa NWR | Texas | Coastal prairie | Nov – March |
Aransas NWR | Texas | Coastal prairie | Nov – Feb |
Bitter Lake NWR | New Mexico | Chihuahuan Desert grasslands | Jan – March |
San Bernard NWR | Arizona | Semi-desert grassland | Dec – April |
Where to Find Aplomado Falcons in Central America
Aplomado Falcons reside year-round in many habitats in Central America. Some premier destinations include:
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
This sanctuary protects extensive broadleaf forests, pine savannas, and mangroves. Aplomado Falcons patrol open areas along roads and trails, often perching conspicuously. Sightings are possible year-round.
Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica
The páramo grasslands of Cerro de la Muerte offer excellent Aplomado Falcon sightings. Scan fence posts for perched birds. Best viewing is December to April.
Copán Ruins, Honduras
Several pairs of Aplomado Falcons nest and hunt around the famous Mayan ruins of Copán. Watch for them perched on the stone relics or swooping over the open grounds surrounding the site. The dry season from February to May are prime months.
Where to Find Aplomado Falcons in South America
Healthy populations of Aplomado Falcons inhabit grasslands and savannas from Colombia and Venezuela south to Argentina. Some hotspots include:
Los Llanos, Venezuela
This vast savanna region holds one of the world’s highest densities of Aplomado Falcons. Multiple pairs can often be spotted along roadsides and fence lines here. The winter dry season provides the most sightings.
Magdalena River Valley, Colombia
Following the Rio Magdalena through arid canyon country maximizes chances of finding Aplomado Falcons perched conspicuously on roadside utility poles and wires. Late December through February are the most favorable months.
Iberá Natural Reserve, Argentina
Spanning grassy wetlands, woodlands, and savanna, Iberá Reserve protects excellent Aplomado Falcon habitat. Sightings are common, especially in the wide open country around San Alonso village. Visits are best from September to November.
Location | Country | Habitat | Best Viewing Season |
---|---|---|---|
Cockscomb Basin WS | Belize | Forest, savanna | Year-round |
Cerro de la Muerte | Costa Rica | Highland grassland | Dec – April |
Copán Ruins | Honduras | Open ruins, savanna | Feb – May |
Los Llanos | Venezuela | Savanna | Dec – March |
Magdalena River Valley | Colombia | Arid canyon | Dec – Feb |
Iberá Reserve | Argentina | Wetlands, savanna | Sep – Nov |
Tips for Viewing Aplomado Falcons
Here are some useful tips to maximize your chances of sighting Aplomado Falcons in the wild:
- Use binoculars and scan fence posts, utility poles, trees, and other potential perches.
- Check fields and other open areas for hunting or soaring falcons.
- Listen for their descending “klee-klee-klee” call.
- Focus searches near potential nest sites like trees, cliffs, or electrical towers.
- Time visits for early morning or late afternoon when the falcons are most active.
- Visit during the dry season when vegetation is shorter making them easier to spot.
- Hire experienced local birding guides to find the best areas and identify sightings.
Conservation Status
Due to significant population declines last century, the Aplomado Falcon is listed as Endangered in the U.S. and Near Threatened globally by the IUCN Red List. However, focused conservation efforts have aided recoveries in parts of its range. The small U.S. population and reintroduction program in the southwest remain vulnerable. But robust populations persist through much of Latin America as long as suitable dry, open habitats are conserved. Appropriate habitat management and reduced pesticide use are key conservation measures needed to ensure the continued success of Aplomado Falcon populations.
Conclusion
The elegant Aplomado Falcon offers a special treat for birdwatchers able to observe it hunting gracefully over grasslands and savannas. As populations rebound across parts of its range, opportunities to see this unique raptor in the wild have increased. With patience and proper timing, a sighting is possible across the southwest U.S. and much of Mexico, Central America, and South America in areas with appropriate habitat preserved. Use the locations and tips provided above to maximize your chances of crossing an Aplomado Falcon off your life list!