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species of waterfowl occurring in the region (mallard, cinnamon teal, and <br />• Canada goose) can be considered common nesters throughout the region. <br />During the winter, there are two major waterfowl wintering areas in the <br />region: the Grand Valley and the Delta-Montrose areas. Within these <br />areas, waterfowl feed extensively on cropland during the morning and <br />evening and rest during the day on the less accessible portions of the main <br />rivers. The species golden-eye and merganser are found almost exclusively <br />along the main rivers where they can find fish and crustaceans, the main <br />items in their diet. <br />Sixteen species of the order Falcon iformes (hawks, eagles, and <br />falcons) occur in the region, including one vulture, one harrier, three <br />accipiters, four buteos, two eagles, and four falcon species. The rough- <br />legged hawk, osprey, and merlin occur only during the fall or winter <br />• months. The red-tailed hawk is the most common buteo in the region, <br />although the rough-legged hawk is a common winter resident. The golden <br />eagle is found throughout the region. Nest sites are predominantly on <br />cliff faces although occasional tree nests do occur within the region. The <br />kestrel is the most common of the falcons, occurring throughout the region <br />in all habitat types. Prairie falcons are locally common within the <br />region, occurring where cliff faces provide nesting sites adjacent to large <br />green areas used for hunting. Members of this order are important preda- <br />tors, occupying positions at the top of the food chain. Rodents, rabbits, <br />small birds, insects, and carrion are important items in the diet for one <br />or more of these birds of prey. <br />There are nine members of the order Galliformes in the region. All <br />are classified as upland game birds by the DOW. Five species (chukar, <br />• <br />2.04-58 <br />