The Black Falcon (Falco subniger) is a medium-sized falcon found across Australia. It is a slim, powerful bird of prey that is known for its impressive aerial abilities and fierce hunting tactics. The Black Falcon has several distinctive physical and behavioral characteristics that set it apart from other falcon species. In this article, we will explore the key traits that define this remarkable raptor.
Physical Appearance
The Black Falcon has a slender but sturdy build with long, broad wings and a relatively long, wedge-shaped tail. Adult birds have predominantly charcoal-gray plumage with some white markings on the throat and underparts. The cere, eye-ring, and feet are bright yellow. Juvenile birds are brownish overall with streaked underparts.
Some key physical features of the Black Falcon include:
Size
– Length: 14-19 inches
– Wingspan: 37-43 inches
– Weight: 13-24 oz
The Black Falcon is medium-sized for a falcon. It is smaller than the Peregrine Falcon but larger than the Australian Hobby.
Wings
– Long, broad wings ideal for speed and agility in flight.
– Pointed wingtips.
– Wings help the falcon reach speeds over 120 mph in a stoop or dive.
Tail
– Long wedge-shaped tail with a black band near the tip.
– Allows for tight, quick turns in flight.
– Helps provide stability and control.
Legs and Feet
– Yellow feet and ceres (fleshy facial skin).
– Long yellow legs with sharp talons used for grasping prey.
– Strong legs and feet enable the falcon to overpower large prey.
Beak
– Curved, hooked beak with a sharp tip and cutting edges.
– Designed for tearing flesh and ripping prey.
– Dark gray color.
Eyes
– Large, dark brown eyes providing excellent vision.
– Positioned on either side of the head allowing for binocular vision.
– Enables keen eyesight to spot prey from afar.
Plumage
The adult Black Falcon has predominantly dark charcoal-gray feathers over most of its body:
– Dark gray back, wings, tail, and the top of the head.
– Throat and chest white with some dark spotting or streaks.
– Underparts light gray to whitish with variable dark barring.
– Thighs and undertail coverts are rufous or reddish-brown.
– Cere, eye-ring, and feet are bright yellow.
This monochrome plumage provides camouflage when the falcon is perched in trees or rocky cliffs overlooking its hunting grounds. The pale underside helps break up the falcon’s outline when observed from below.
Juvenile birds have brown upperparts, wings, and tail with heavy streaking on the underparts. The juveniles’ plumage helps camouflage the young birds in the nest before they can fly and hunt efficiently.
Voice
The Black Falcon has a loud, harsh voice utilized for communicating over long distances. Some key vocalizations include:
– Loud, raucous calls described as “kek-kek-kek.” Used to signal alarm or communicate with other falcons.
– High-pitched rapid calls sounding like “klee-klee-klee.” Used by females when soliciting food from males.
– Clucking and gulping notes made around the nest. Help coordinate breeding activities between mates.
– Juveniles give a whistling “wee-wee-wee” call when begging for food.
– Various barks, squeals, and screams used during agonistic encounters. Help establish territory and dominance.
The falcon’s vocalizations carry well over open habitats, allowing pairs or family groups to remain in contact over considerable distances.
Range and Habitat
The Black Falcon is found across the mainland of Australia in many habitat types, including:
– Open woodlands and savannas
– Arid and semi-arid scrublands
– Grasslands and agricultural areas
– Coastal cliffs, dunes, and mangroves
– Mountains and gorges
Key habitat requirements are tall trees, cliffs, or structures for nesting and open areas offering adequate prey populations.
This species occurs in all states and territories of Australia but is most common in the north and west. It is generally absent from dense forest regions of the south and east.
The Black Falcon may occur as a solitary individual, in breeding pairs, or in small family groups consisting of the mated adults and juvenile birds from the previous breeding season.
Diet and Hunting
The Black Falcon is a formidable hunter and feeds on a wide variety of prey, including:
Birds
– Parrots, pigeons, waterfowl, seabirds
– Other raptors such as hawks and falcons
– Chickens and other poultry
Mammals
– Rabbits, hares, possums, gliders
– Rodents such as rats and mice
– Small wallabies, bandicoots
– Bats and occasionally house cats
Reptiles
– Snakes, lizards, goannas
Insects
– Grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles
When hunting, the Black Falcon often flies high above its territory scanning for prey activity below. Once a target is sighted, the falcon enters a dramatic stoop, tucking its wings and diving at speeds over 120 mph. It strikes the prey with its talons, then carries or drags it to a plucking post to eat.
Alternatively, the falcon may utilize a low surprise attack, approaching its prey rapidly just above the ground. It is also an adept hunter on foot, walking or hopping along the ground in search of reptiles, mammals, and insects.
Breeding
The breeding season for Black Falcons coincides with winter and spring in Australia, typically from June to December. Courtship involves aerial displays over the nesting territory.
Key breeding behaviors include:
Nest Construction
– Uses large stick nests built high in trees, on ledges, or in crevices in cliffs or buildings.
– Nest lining includes green leaves and twigs.
– Old nests are refurbished and reused over successive years.
Eggs
– Lays 2-4 dull reddish-brown eggs marked with darker blotches.
– Incubation lasts about 35 days.
– Mainly by female but male assists.
Chicks
– Semi-altricial chicks are brooded for 2-3 weeks.
– Fledged at 45-49 days old.
– Fed by parents for several months after leaving nest.
Parental Care
– Female performs majority of incubation.
– Male provisions female and later provides food for the chicks.
– Both parents defend nest territorially.
Young falcons reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years old. Breeding pairs are monogamous and may remain together for multiple seasons.
Status and Threats
– Least concern on IUCN Red List.
– Widespread and common over much of its range.
– Adult birds have few natural predators other than wedge-tailed eagles.
However, some potential threats include:
– Habitat loss from land clearing and development.
– Disturbance of nest sites from human activity.
– Electrocution on power lines and poles.
– Collisions with vehicles and aircraft.
Fortunately, the Black Falcon adapts readily to human modified environments as long as suitable nest sites exist. Their ability to utilize man-made structures helps maintain populations.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the magnificent Black Falcon:
– The Latin name “Falco subniger” means “blackish falcon.”
– Powerful flyers that can reach speeds over 120 mph in a hunting dive.
– Also called the Black Falconet due to its relatively small size compared to some falcons.
– Talons can exert an incredible grip force over 300 psi.
– Nestlings hiss like snakes as a defense against predators.
– The oldest known wild Black Falcon was at least 15 years old.
– Depicted on some Australian postage stamps.
– Relatively uncommon in captivity compared to other falcon species.
Conclusion
With its slate-gray plumage, piercing yellow eyes, impressive aerial skills, and ruthless hunting prowess, the Black Falcon is certainly one of Australia’s most striking raptors. This medium-sized falcon is equipped with many specialized adaptations that enable it to thrive across a range of open habitats. The Black Falcon’s future seems secure provided it continues to have access to remote nesting cliffs and an adequate food supply. This apex avian predator will likely remain a familiar sight circling high overhead or perched sentinel-like watching for prey across much of the Australian landscape.