Would like to identify this raptor. Photographed in central NSW, west of Coonamble, December 2014
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Black or Brown Falcon perhaps.
yes, I had been trying to decide between the two and was hoping someone might give me a clue. I was leaning towards the Black as its different from all the shots of the brown I have and the tear drops weren't visible. I have since read a lot more and reviewed internet picture of each and am pretty certain it is the black....of course now an expert will tell me why its not lol. But thanks again for your help owl
No worries I haven't had time to look properly at it myself. I first thought Brown then Black but I haven't decided yet either.
Brown Falcon - 1st pic has visible barring on the underneath tail feathers, then I can see the front teardrop
Peter
With those heavily feathered legs, I'd put my money on Black Falcon.
The sharply angled wings in pic 2 would also suggest a Black Falcon.
My first impression was Black too. The barring is not necessary and excluding factor on the tail. The streamlined body and shape overall don't give me a Brown falcon GISS.
I'd have to see the bird in flight though or see the underside of the wings. Got any shots of a ventral view? (from below, that's the kind of shots most people get of flying raptors anyway)
I sent an email to Dr Stephen Debus last night saying my money is on Black and outlined my reasons. This is what he said in his reply.
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You're dead right, clearly a Black (great pics!) and I don't see why there'd be any doubt. All the key characters are plainly visible, i.e. no dorsal barring in wings and tail (whereas Brown shows this clearly), single 'moustache' stripe, very pointed black wing tips, short bare legs but long 'trousers'. Besides, it's nailed a Galah (as Blacks commonly do), which would be a tall order for a Brown. All these points are readily available in the field guides, books, journal literature etc., but I guess the tickers rely on apps and the Net these days. NB there are (or were) some incorrect raptor IDs on Google images, including some real howlers regarding supposed Black Falcons (and others), a problem with people not verifying their pics before posting.
Generally, I find Google Images most unreliable for identifying plants & birds.
Thanks to all, and thanks for the effort....I agree internet picture have to be used with caution but it is a starting point. Great discussion...love this site Robert