Prairie falcons usually have alternate nesting sites located on the same cliff and tend to use alternate ledges in succeeding years. In British Columbia prairie falcon nests were situated on ledges, in caves, in crevices, and in potholes on cliffs. They tend to have definite hunting ranges. Prairie falcons also hunt from perches. The need for cover does not seem to affect foraging behavior.
Prairie falcons eat a wide variety of prey including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Prairie falcons develop prey preferences and will concentrate on a single species or group of species exclusively for as long as possible. The current breeding status of prairie falcons is unknown. In Utah prairie falcons show reduced occupation rates at historical nests and total extirpation from others. Some western Montana populations may not be stable, while Idaho contains an apparently stable population. Breeding habitat loss is probably the most important factor threatening prairie falcon populations.