Some aspects of the biology of the Black Falcon 'Falco subniger'

Abstract

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-flying 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.