The Aplomado Falcon is a medium-sized falcon that inhabits grasslands and savannas in parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. In the US, it is found primarily in southern Texas, with a small reintroduced population in southern New Mexico. Aplomado Falcons disappeared from Texas by the 1950s due to habitat loss and pesticide use. However, thanks to extensive conservation efforts, wild populations have returned to parts of their former range in Texas.
Overview of the Aplomado Falcon
The Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) is a slim, long-winged falcon reaching lengths of 14-18 inches. Adults have striking plumage consisting of dark grey upperparts contrasting with white undersides marked by black streaks and reddish leg feathering (“aplomado” means “lead-colored” in Spanish). The falcons inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and scrublands, where they hunt for small birds, reptiles, and insects.
Aplomado Falcons are agile fliers, using their speed and maneuverability to catch prey in mid-air. They will also snatch prey from the ground by swooping low over open areas. Aplomados are monogamous and nest on cliffs, trees, utility poles, and abandoned buildings. The female typically lays 2-4 eggs that hatch after about a month. The young fledge at around 5-6 weeks old.
Once ranging across much of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, habitat destruction and DDT poisoning caused the falcons to disappear from Texas by the 1950s. Conservation programs reintroduced captive-bred Aplomados to south Texas starting in the 1990s. There are now several hundred breeding pairs across their former Texas range.
Where to See Aplomado Falcons in Texas
Here are some of the best places to spot Aplomado Falcons in Texas:
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the Rio Grande Valley near Brownsville, Laguna Atascosa NWR protects vital Aplomado Falcon habitat. Over 200 pairs nest in the refuge’s grasslands and coastal prairies. The peak viewing season is February to July. The refuge has an auto tour route with designated stops for wildlife viewing.
Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge near Eagle Lake protects coastal prairie where a small population of Aplomados was reintroduced. Spring and summer offer the best viewing opportunities. The refuge has an observation tower and driving loop for birdwatching.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
A coastal refuge northeast of Corpus Christi, Aransas NWR has a newly established population of Aplomado Falcons. Several public use areas provide viewing access. Spring through fall are the optimal months for sightings.
Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
Chaparral WMA’s mixed grasslands and brushlands in Dimmit and LaSalle counties host a breeding population of Aplomados. The area offers seasonal tours focused on viewing the falcons. Prime viewing is February to July.
Matagorda Island
This barrier island southwest of Matagorda hosts a small population of Aplomados. Access is limited, but some coastal eco-tours visit the island providing possible sightings. Spring and summer offer the best chance to spot the falcons.
King Ranch
The vast King Ranch in Kleberg County contains protected Aplomado habitat open to tours. Late winter into summer are optimal for sightings. Various outfitters lead falcon-focused photo tours of the ranch.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Santa Ana NWR near McAllen has supported released Aplomados for over two decades. Several public trails traverse grasslands and wetlands where sightings are likely from February to July.
Best Times of Year to See Aplomado Falcons
While Aplomado Falcons can potentially be spotted year-round in parts of Texas, the most reliable sightings occur during the peak breeding season of February through July. Here are some key things to know about the seasonal patterns:
- Courtship and nesting runs February through July, with activity peaking March to June.
- Recently fledged young can be seen near nests in May to early July.
- Adults actively hunt on territory through the summer months.
- Sightings decline November to January but can still occur on warmer days.
Late winter through summer offers your best chance to observe breeding behaviors like aerial displays, nest provisioning, and recently fledged juveniles. But even on cooler winter days, you may spot adults perched or in flight over open hunting grounds.
Aplomado Falcon Viewing Tips
Here are some useful viewing tips to improve your chances of spotting Aplomado Falcons:
- Scan open habitats like grasslands, pastures, and wetland edges. Perched falcons can be difficult to spot.
- Watch fence posts and utility poles for perched birds.
- Listen for the falcons’ loud “klee-klee-klee” call.
- Try watching potential nest or roost sites at dawn or dusk.
- Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope to detect distant birds.
- Look for swooping or hovering flight styles over grasslands.
- Visit during peak months of March to June to see displaying, nesting, and young.
Tracking raptor migration forecasts can also help pinpoint good Aplomado Falcon viewing periods in Texas. Focus your efforts at promising habitats during peak migration and breeding times for your best chance to see these majestic falcons.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Aplomado Falcon is classified as endangered in the U.S. and threatened in Mexico. Measures to protect and bolster populations include:
- Habitat restoration and acquisition
- Reintroduction of captive-bred falcons
- Nest platforms and artificial perches
- Restricted use of organochlorine pesticides
Ongoing threats include:
- Habitat loss to development and agriculture
- Disturbance of nest sites
- Collision mortality with vehicles and structures
Careful land management and expanded habitat protections will be key to long-term recovery for the Aplomado Falcon in Texas and beyond.
Appreciating a Unique Raptor
The Aplomado Falcon is on the path to recovery but still faces an uncertain future in the wild. Given habitat protections, this unique grassland falcon may once again flourish across its historic range. Bird enthusiasts who catch a glimpse of Aplomados in Texas today can appreciate a species that narrowly avoided extinction.
