Brown Falcon

Images ©:

Brown Falcon - Bob Winters | Brown Falcon - Bob Winters

Falco berigora

A small-medium falcon (40-50 cm). The upper surface varies from dark to light brown and the underside is off-white. The sides of the head are brown. Long, heavy scaled legs and short talons. The female is larger than the male.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Raptor
Biology

Breeding season in southern Australia is from August to November. This species does not build its own nest but occupies nests built by other bird species. The nest is often relined. The female lays a clutch of 2-3 eggs which are incubated for 31-35 days chiefly by the female but the male will also take this role at times. The male supplies most of the food during this time. The young fly at 30 days.
Distinctive Markings

Double 'teardrop' enclosing pale cheek patch. Always has red-brown to dark brown 'trousers'.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Falconidae
Genus
Falco
Species
berigora
Found throughout Australia and New Guinea.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

One of the most widespread birds in Australia.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Small mammals including mice, rabbits and bandicoots. Insects including grasshoppers, cicadas and beetles as well as small lizards, snakes and birds.
Habitat

Prefers open grassland and agricultural areas. Perches on scattered trees and telegraph poles. Also found in open woodland, mulga scrub, watercourse treelines, alpine areas, heath and coastal dunes.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Loud, raucous cackling "karairk - kuk - kukkuk". Single calls "karark", "kar - r - ra"', "airrrk".