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Platte River Status: A rare summer resident; uncommon and regular winter resident. Tout (1947) stated that prairie falcon was not common in Lincoln County, but the species was considered more common in the Sandhills; Tout provided no evidence of nesting in his area. Rosche (1979) recorded prairie falcon in the lower North Platte River Valley primarily as a winter visitor, present 8 October to 24 March. Prairie falcon was considered rare at Keystone Lake, Keith County, during 18 July to 19 August 1977.

Breeding Range: Our limited data suggest that prairie falcon occurs during the nesting season in the "badlands" canyon country along the North Platte River in Garden and adjacent Keith counties.

Breeding Population: We failed to record prairie falcon on our random census plots in 1979-1980. We believe that the breeding population includes about 5 pairs annually.

Habitat: Nests are usually located on cliff faces overlooking extensive tracts of native grasslands. Rising (1974) recorded prairie falcon near bluffs in open country in western Kansas.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Because of the limited population in our area, we do not believe that habitat alteration has had any serious impact on this species, other than to reduce habitat available for prey species.

Nesting Data: Our only evidence of confirmed nesting in the study area is provided by Benckeser (1950) who found a prairie falcon nest with 2 young near Brule, Keith County, on 10 July 1949. Faanes observed an adult in Sec. 23, T. 16 N.- R. 44 W., Garden County, on 16 June 1979.