Aspects of the ecology of the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos in the South Australian arid zone
| Posted: |
29/03/2021 |
| Author(s): |
Ian D. Falkenberg |
Breeding productivity and diet of the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos were recorded in the Strzelecki Creek region of
arid north-eastern South Australia in 1982–85 and 1995–2000, by systematic searches for nests (n = 4 found), inspection
of their contents on repeat visits within a season by climbing or by pole-mounted mirror, and by analysis of prey remains
and pellets collect from within and beneath nests. One nesting pair was found in each of 1982 (C/2 failed), 1984 (B/2
chicks), 1996 (B/3 chicks) and 1998 (B/3 feathered nestlings ~5 weeks old). Nests were vacant stick nests of Black Kites
Milvus migrans and corvids in the canopies of Coolibahs Eucalyptus coolabah, and laying occurred in August–September
(n = 4 clutches/broods). Diet was entirely birds (n = 20 prey items from the three nests with chicks). General habits,
interspecifi c confl ict and defence of the nest against humans are described. Ethical issues relating to the banding of the
Falcon chicks in 1984 are discussed.
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