Family
Accipitridae
Description
Plumage very variable but two features are constant: 1) double moustache-markenclosing paler cheek-patch, 2) buff to pale red-brown notching of flight and tail-feathers. Typical phases: brown above, whitish below with irregular brown to yellow-buff patches, brown trousers. Pale Phase: pale reddish brown above, whitish below with fine dark streaks, trousers pale or rusty. Cere, eyering and legs lead-grey, legs longish, rather slender.
Habits
Diurnal, Probably arid Australia's most common bird of prey, brown falcons are usually seen perched on low branches watching for prey. Loud cackling calls are often heard as the birds fly to evening roosts or when a breeding pair "show-off" in a display flight. Sedentary or nomadic.
Habitat
Grassland Forest Woodland Wetlands, Open and lightly timbered country; floodplains; escarpment.
Breeding
June to November, 2 to 4; buff, reddish-brown blotches. Breeds mainly in spring and summer taking about seven weeks to raise 3 or 5 independent young. Both sexes incubate and brood.
Parks
Kakadu National Park
Diet
Carnivore, feeds mainly on insects; reptiles; birds and mice.
Details
Common Name: |
Brown Falcon |
Scientific Name: |
Falco berigora |
Sub Order: |
Unavailable |
Order: |
Falconiformes |
Class: |
Aves |
Category: |
Native |
Status: |
Least Concern |
Size: |
405 - 510 mm, span up to 750 mm. |
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