Australia's Other Falcons

Brown Falcon Falco berigora

Peregrines are not the only falcons found in Australia. There are five other species including:

Brown Falcon, Falco berigora

• Medium-sized falcon found throughout Australia;
• common;
• favours open and lightly timbered country;
• colour ranges from dark brown to brown above and white below;
• prey includes insects, birds, mammals and reptiles, especially snakes.

Nankeen Kestrel, Falco cenchroides

• Small, dainty, chestnut and white falcon;
• common;
• favours open places, often seen 'hovering' over grassy areas on virtually motionless wings;
• prey includes insects and small birds, mammals and reptiles;
• pairs have nested in the inner city in the past.

Australian Hobby, Falco longipennis

• Small, dashing falcon;
• bluish grey above, reddish below with black face and white throat and cheeks;
• common, especially in open or lightly timbered country as well as city parks;
• prey mainly insects and small birds taken in flight.

Grey Falcon, Falco hypoleucos

• Pale blue-grey and white falcon of inland Australia;
• possibly Australia's most beautiful falcon;
• rare;
• occasionally seen in coastal areas during inland droughts;
• prey includes insects, birds, mammals and reptiles, birds often taken on the wing.

Black Falcon, Falco subniger

• Powerful, medium to large falcon of open country;
• uncommon;
• blackish-brown;
• prey mainly birds, often taken on the wing, also mammals and reptiles.

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