Black Falcon.
Photo: A Bridger © OzBirds
Black Falcon in flight.
Photo: A Bridger © OzBirds
Distribution map of Falco subniger
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Black Falcon
Scientific name: Falco subniger
Family: Accipitridae
Order: Falconiformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Black Falcon is a raptor (bird of prey) and is the largest of the Australian falcons. It is slim and uniformly dark brown to sooty black, with a pale throat. The bill and feet are blueish-white. The feathered legs are short and, when perched, this falcon has squared shoulders. Females are larger than males. In flight, the broad wings taper to a fine point and the long narrow tail has a squared tip, with a step at the corners. It glides with slightly drooped wings.
Similar species
The Black Falcon is larger than dark phases of the related Brown Falcon, F. berigora, and has a plain rather than barred tail. The Brown Falcon flies with slow rowing strokes, while the Black Falcon flies with swift powerful beats. Another similar raptor, the Black Kite, Milvus migrans, has fingered wings and a long forked tail.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Black Falcon is endemic (only found in Australia) and is sparsely spread in the inland and across northern, eastern, southern and central Australia. It is not found in Tasmania.
Habitat
The Black Falcon is found along tree-lined watercourses and in isolated woodlands, mainly in arid and semi-arid areas. It roosts in trees at night and often on power poles by day.
Seasonal movements
The Black Falcon may move to coastal areas in the southern part of its range. It has regular seasonal movements, or is nomadic, depending on seasonal conditions and the availablity of food.What does it do?
Feeding
Common prey items are birds, small mammals, insects and reptiles and sometimes carrion (dead animals). Black Falcons also steal prey from other raptors. When prey is sighted, the bird swoops down and grasps it in its claws (talons), killing the prey with a bite to the spine. The powerful bill has specialised 'tomial teeth' and matching notches for this purpose.
Breeding
Black Falcons nest along tree-lined creeks and rivers of inland drainage systems. Eggs are laid in the abandoned stick nests of other birds, usually high in a tree. The female mainly incubates, broods and feeds the nestlings, while the male brings food. Both parents may bring food when the nestlings are older.
Living with us
Living with humans
Black Falcons are generally uncommon, but may be increasing in numbers after clearing and with increases in prey such as galahs, rabbits and starlings. They often gather and soar above fires, shooters or workers, watching for flushed prey.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. 2: (Raptors To Lapwings). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Olsen, P., Crome, F. and Olsen, J. 1993. The Birds of Prey and Ground Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.
Hollands, D. 2003, Eagles Hawks and Falcons of Australia. Bloomings Books. Melbourne.