Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
Also known as: Whistling Falcon
About This Species
This adaptable Australian falcon hunts over open farmland, grassland and lightly wooded country, often perching on fence posts, dead trees or power poles while scanning for rabbits, insects and small birds. It hunts mostly by low, direct pursuit flight rather than high hovering, and is frequently seen along roadsides at dawn or dusk when prey activity is highest. Listen for its harsh, cackling call, especially when a pair is defending territory or interacting near a nest site.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Keep at least 50-100 metres from an active nest or perched bird, since raptors can abandon hunting perches or nest attempts if approached too closely, and considerably more distance is warranted during the breeding season.
- Native raptors are protected under Australian state and federal wildlife legislation, making deliberate disturbance or nest interference an offence.
- Observe from a vehicle or fixed position with binoculars rather than approaching on foot.
LCAvesFalconiformesFalconidae
Seasonal Activity
213,499 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Falconiformes
- Family
- Falconidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.