Some aspects of the biology of the Black Falcon Falco subniger
| Posted: |
29/03/2021 |
| Author(s): |
J. Olsen, S. J. S. Debus |
Aspects of the biology of the Black Falcon Falco subniger were studied in South Australia in the 1970s, and the data
on breeding biology not published elsewhere are presented here. Recent body-mass and associated data, and banding
and recovery data, were sourced from museums, raptor rehabilitators and the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Schemes.
Brood size (young per successful nest) in the 1970s averaged 2.5 (range 1–4, n = 6). Free-fl ying male Falcons averaged
582 grams (481–650 g, n = 11), and females 833 grams (710–950 g, n = 18). Prey remains in Falcon nests included mainly
parrots (e.g. Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea, Galah Eolophus roseicapillus (~40% by number), Australian Ringneck
Barnardius zonarius), Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes and Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen. The only banded
nestling recovered was found 346 kilometres away, 11 years 7 months later. Common causes of injury and mortality
were vehicle collisions.
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