Brown Falcon

Overview

The brown falcon (Falco berigora) is a relatively large falcon native to Australia and New Guinea. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults are 40 to 50 cm long, appearing in light, dark, and intermediate plumage morphs.
• Typically features red-brown heads with narrow black streaks, a light crown, and an off-white chin.
• Wings are spotted red-brown with dark brown quills, while beaks are light blue/grey and eyes are brown.
• In the breeding season, they produce a loud, high-pitched cackle call resembling a laying hen along with screeching in flight.

Habitat

Native to Australia and New Guinea, with the subspecies F. b. novaeguineae found in central and eastern New Guinea and coastal northern Australia, and F. b. berigora found in the rest of Australia and Tasmania. They breed from June to November, usually by taking over old nests of larger passerines or hawks, or occasionally in hollow tree limbs.

Diet

This species consumes small mammals, including house mice and young rabbits in summer, as well as small birds, lizards, snakes, and various invertebrates. Insects form the bulk of their diet during winter, and the birds often chase these prey items on the ground.

Did you know?

Brown falcons have been claimed to pick up flaming sticks and drop them to spread fires in order to hunt escaping animals. This behaviour is supported by 14 firsthand narratives sourced from Australian firefighters and Aboriginal people.