Notes on Bat Falcon (<i>Falco rufigularis</i>) distribution, nesting, and diet in central-western Mexico

Abstract

The Bat Falcon may nest in constructions in urban areas. It feeds on bats, birds, and insects. We present records on its distribution, nesting, and diet in western central Mexico. We observed a Bat Falcon couple breeding in 2013 and 2015 in a wall’s cavities from a town’s construction. We collected the remains of the prey consumed by the juveniles in the nest cavities after the juveniles abandoned them in 2013 and 2015, and additionally the remains of prey under the parent’s perches next to the nest cavity in 2015. The nesting period was from March to at least the middle of June. Some of the dietary items during the nesting period were one rodent, four bats, six birds, grasshoppers, and beetles. This study confirms that the Bat Falcon breeds in urban areas and preys upon local species.