The black falcon is a medium-large falcon that is endemic to Australia. It can be found in all mainland states and territories and yet is regarded as Australia's most under-studied falcon.
Region
Mainland Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily but widely across Australia’s arid and semi-arid interior, extending into open country of all mainland states and territories. Prefers open woodlands, grasslands, pastoral lands, and agricultural areas with scattered tall trees, especially along watercourses. Often hunts over stubble fields, lightly timbered plains, and the margins of wetlands. Generally avoids dense forest and closed-canopy habitats but will use sparsely treed farmland and floodplains. Nest sites are typically in large eucalypts or occasionally on cliffs, reusing old stick nests.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black falcon is a medium-large falcon endemic to mainland Australia and one of the country’s least-studied raptors. It is often misidentified as a dark brown falcon, but shows longer, narrower wings and a more uniformly dark, sooty-brown to black plumage. Pairs typically use old stick nests built by corvids or other raptors, rather than making their own. They are powerful aerial hunters that frequently take other birds on the wing.
Distribution map showing records of the black falcon. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Black falcon in flight
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with long, shallow wingbeats, rapid pursuits, and occasional soaring glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; forms loose aggregations where prey is abundant. Monogamous pairs reuse old stick nests high in trees, laying 2–4 eggs. Both adults defend the nesting territory, with the female primarily incubating and the male provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet away from nests, giving harsh, rapid kek-kek calls near breeding sites. Vocalizations are sharp and scolding during territorial or nest defense encounters.
Plumage
Uniformly dark, sooty-brown to blackish plumage; juveniles can appear dark chocolate-brown with subtle pale streaking. Long, narrow wings and relatively long tail give a sleek, falcon-like silhouette.
Diet
Primarily preys on birds such as pigeons, doves, parrots, and passerines, captured in fast aerial chases. Also takes small mammals including rabbits, as well as lizards and large insects when available. Will occasionally scavenge or take prey flushed by fire or farm activity.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open plains, lightly timbered country, and along riparian corridors with scattered tall trees for perches. Frequently hunts over agricultural fields, stubble, and the margins of wetlands and floodplains.
