Brown Falcon

The Brown Falcon, Falco berigora, presents a robust figure in the skies of Australia and New Guinea. These birds exhibit a range of plumage morphs, from pale to dark, with adults typically measuring 40 to 50 cm in length. Their heads are adorned with red-brown plumage, marked by narrow black streaks, and a lighter crown. The chin is off-white, while the wings display a spotted red-brown with darker quills. Their beaks are a subtle light blue-grey, and their eyes a deep brown.

Identification Tips

To identify the Brown Falcon, look for the distinctive red-brown head with black streaks and a lighter crown. The wings are spotted red-brown with dark brown quills. The pale morphs have white underparts with varying degrees of brown streaking, and the dark morphs have predominantly dark underparts with some light streaking. The loud cackle call is a key auditory clue to their presence.

Distribution

The species is widespread, with subspecies F. b. novaeguineae found in central and eastern New Guinea and coastal northern Australia, and F. b. berigora inhabiting Australia, excluding the coastal north, and Tasmania.

Behaviour

A fascinating aspect of the Brown Falcon's behaviour is their reported use of fire as a hunting tool. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these birds may carry burning sticks to spread fires, capitalizing on the chaos to prey on escaping animals.

Song & Calls

During the breeding season, the Brown Falcon is known for its loud, high-pitched cackle, reminiscent of a laying hen, and screeching while in flight.

Breeding

The breeding season for Brown Falcons spans from June to November. They lay clutches of two to five eggs, which are adorned with red and brown spots and blotches.

Diet and Feeding

Brown Falcons have a varied diet that includes small mammals like house mice and young rabbits, particularly in the summer. They also consume small birds, lizards, snakes, and a plethora of invertebrates, with insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles forming the bulk of their winter diet. These falcons are known to actively chase insects on the ground.

Conservation status

The Brown Falcon is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.