The grey falcon is a medium-sized falcon native to Australia, possibly the rarest. It is uncommon throughout its range and is currently classified as Vulnerable.
Region
Inland Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across Australia’s arid and semi-arid interior, avoiding dense forests and coastal belts. Favors open Acacia and chenopod shrublands, lightly timbered plains, and riparian woodlands along ephemeral rivers. Often associated with scattered trees and artificial perches such as fence posts and powerlines, which are used for hunting. Requires large territories with open visibility to pursue aerial prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey falcon is one of Australia’s rarest raptors, inhabiting arid and semi-arid interiors. It is a pale, elegant falcon that often hunts from high perches like dead trees or powerlines, then launches swift pursuits of birds in open country. Pairs typically reuse old stick nests of other raptors or crows, usually placed in tall trees along inland watercourses. Habitat degradation and reduced prey availability contribute to its vulnerability.
Richter lithograph of immature (left) and adult specimen, 1848
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain large territories year-round. Monogamous pairs often reuse old stick nests of other raptors or corvids, commonly in tall eucalypts near watercourses. Clutches are small and breeding success depends on prey availability and rainfall.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but gives sharp, yelping kek-kek calls, especially near the nest. Alarm and contact calls are harsh and rapid, carrying well over open country.
