What is a distinguishing characteristic of the prairie falcon?

The distinguishing characteristic of the prairie falcon is the black triangular patch underneath the wing. This striking feature sets the prairie falcon apart from other similar species, such as the peregrine falcon or other falcons found in North America. This black patch can be seen distinctly when the bird is in flight or perched, and it serves as a visual cue for bird watchers and ornithologists to identify the species accurately.

While other characteristics mentioned may pertain to different falcon species, they do not specifically define the prairie falcon. For example, the banded tail feathers may be common among various falcons but are not uniquely characteristic of the prairie falcon. Likewise, while a white throat patch is observed in some birds of prey, it is not a notable feature of the prairie falcon. The large wingspan might describe the general size and flight capabilities of raptors, but it is not a specific identifier for the prairie falcon as compared to other falcon species. Thus, the presence of the black triangular patch is a key identifier that corrects any potential misidentification.