The Australian hobby, also known as the little falcon, is one of six Australian members of the family Falconidae. This predominantly diurnal bird of prey derives its name 'longipennis' from its long primary wing feathers. It occurs throughout Australia and other neighbouring countries with migrating individuals found on the islands of Indonesia and New Guinea.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Widespread across mainland Australia, with occurrences in New Guinea and parts of Indonesia (including the Lesser Sunda Islands). It favors open woodlands, savannahs, grasslands, and edges of wetlands. The species readily uses human-modified landscapes such as farmland, towns, and city parks. It is generally scarce to uncommon in dense forests and very treeless deserts. On occasion it is recorded in Tasmania and offshore islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the little falcon, the Australian hobby is a swift aerial hunter that excels at catching insects and small birds on the wing. It often hunts at dawn and dusk, even using streetlights in towns to pick off moths and beetles. Its long, pointed wings give it a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Eurasian hobby.
Samsonvale Cemetery, SE Queensland
Australian Hobby, Broome, Western Australia
Distribution and density of the Australian hobby from occurrence records
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid, agile flier with quick wingbeats and brief glides; capable of swift stoops
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; pairs defend hunting and nesting territories. It typically nests in old stick nests of crows or other raptors high in trees, and occasionally on artificial structures. Monogamous pairs lay a small clutch, and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, giving high-pitched, thin chittering calls during interactions. Alarm calls are sharper kek-kek notes, especially near the nest. Vocal activity increases during breeding and territorial displays.
