Teo, Aplomado Falcon
Latin Name
Falco femoralis
Family
Falconidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Available studies suggest a typical lifespan of approximately 6–9 years, although an Aplomado falcon may live for up to around 12 years. Young birds have a much lower survival rate than established adults.
Captivity: Aplomado falcons can live for more than 20 years when provided with appropriate accommodation, nutrition and veterinary care. Several captive birds have exceeded 20 years, with one recorded as living for at least 24 years.
Body size
Aplomado falcons are slender, long-winged and long-tailed falcons. Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males.
- Weight: Males approximately 208–334g (7.3–11.8 oz); females approximately 310–500g (10.9–17.6 oz).
- Height/body length: Approximately 38–43cm (15–17 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 70–100cm (28–39 in).
Their pointed wings provide speed, while their unusually long tails allow them to turn rapidly when pursuing agile prey.
Native habitat
Aplomado falcons are native to the Americas. Their range extends from the southern United States and Mexico through parts of Central America and across much of South America, reaching Argentina and Chile.
They are birds of open country and favour habitats where scattered trees, shrubs, fence posts or other raised perches overlook suitable hunting grounds. These habitats include:
- Grassland and open savanna
- Coastal prairie and marshland
- Dry scrub and shrub-steppe
- Open woodland
- Farmland and pasture
- Mountain grassland
They generally avoid dense forest, although they may inhabit open clearings and grassland pockets within otherwise forested regions. In the Andes, they have been recorded at elevations approaching 3,700 metres.
Aplomado falcons do not normally build their own nests. Instead, they use abandoned stick nests made by ravens, crows, hawks, kites and other large birds.
Diet
Aplomado falcons are carnivorous and adaptable hunters. Their diet includes:
- Small and medium-sized birds
- Large insects, including dragonflies and butterflies
- Rodents and other small mammals
- Bats
- Lizards and other small reptiles
- Occasionally land crabs
Birds and large insects form an especially important part of their natural diet.
Aplomado falcons employ several hunting techniques. They catch birds and insects in mid-air, pursue prey close to the ground and sometimes chase animals on foot. Pairs or family groups may hunt cooperatively, with one falcon flushing prey from cover while another attempts to catch it.
They have also been recorded stealing food from other birds of prey by chasing and harassing them until they release their catch.
Get to know Teo
Teo is an impressive high-flying falcon who has been recorded by his GPS tracker soaring at an altitude of 2,000 feet. Highly intelligent and independent, he will fly to guests when the mood takes him unless, of course, a passing pigeon captures his attention first!
Teo also plays an important role in our professional pest-control work, where he helps to flush small nuisance birds from inside warehouses and discourage them from returning.
Fun Fact!
Unlike falcons that rely almost entirely on aerial pursuit, Aplomado falcons are remarkably comfortable on the ground. Their relatively long legs allow them to sprint after insects, lizards and other prey through grass and open terrain.
They are still highly accomplished fliers. Their long wings and tail enable fast, twisting pursuits, while bonded pairs can work together to flush and intercept birds. This combination of aerial agility, cooperative hunting and confident movement on foot makes the Aplomado one of the most versatile members of the falcon family.
The word “Aplomado” comes from Spanish and refers to the bird’s distinctive lead-grey or blue-grey back.