Notes on Black Falcons 'Falco subniger' Breeding near Tamworth, New South Wales

Abstract

Nest-site selection, diet, prelaying and foraging behaviour of a pair of Black Falcons 'Falco subniger' were studied near Tamworth, on the North-west Slopes of New South Wales, during 81 hours' observation in the prelaying period (late June-early September 2010), until the breeding attempt was abandoned (apparently owing mainly to prolonged bad weather, and possibly predation of eggs by corvids). The Falcons' nest-sites, nest-based behaviours (copulation, nest-preparation, defence), vocalisations, and interactions with competing and harassing birds are described. Their vocalisations were most like those of other 'great' or 'desert' falcons (subgenus 'Hierofalco'). Prey remains (n = 3) and pellets (n = 18 + fragments) consisted entirely of the remains of common farmland birds. Foraging methods included fast contour hunting over woodland treetops, sometimes in pairs, apparently with sharing of resulting kills. The findings reinforce the importance of riparian and other remnant woodland, with emergent trees, for the Falcon's nest-sites and foraging strategies in farmland.