Aplomado Falcon
VU

Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplomado_falcon

Overview

The aplomado falcon is a medium-sized falcon of the Americas. The species' largest continuous range is in South America, but not in the deep interior Amazon Basin. It was long known as Falco fusco-coerulescens or Falco fuscocaerulescens, but these names are now believed to refer to the bat falcon.

Its resemblance in shape to the hobbies accounts for its old name orange-chested hobby. Aplomado is an unusual Spanish word for "lead-colored", referring to the blue-grey areas of the plumage; an approximate English translation would be "plumbeous falcon". Spanish names for the species include halcón aplomado and halcón fajado ; in Brazil it is known as falcão-de-coleira.

The Aplomado Falcon faces significant population declines across much of its range due to widespread habitat loss and degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development. Historical persecution and ongoing human disturbance have further reduced breeding populations, while pesticide use has impacted both the species directly and its prey base.

Threat summary

Habitat

Open grasslands, savannas, and prairie habitats with scattered trees or shrubs for nesting, typically in areas with low to moderate vegetation height. Also occupies agricultural areas, pastures, and semi-arid scrublands from sea level to moderate elevations.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Falconidae

Orange-breasted FalconEN

Orange-breasted Falcon

Falco deiroleucus

Unknown
Peregrine Falcon (eurasian)VU

Peregrine Falcon (eurasian)

Falco peregrinus

Unknown
Eurasian HobbyCR

Eurasian Hobby

Falco subbuteo

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Aplomado Falcon classified as Vulnerable?
Aplomado Falcon is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Aplomado Falcon faces significant population declines across much of its range due to widespread habitat loss and degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development. Historical persecution and ongoing human disturbance have further reduced breeding populations, while pesticide use has impacted both the species directly and its prey base.
Where does Aplomado Falcon live?
Aplomado Falcon occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aplomado Falcon?
The main threats to Aplomado Falcon are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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