The Mysterious Beauty of the Black Falcon

Among the world’s most fascinating birds of prey, the Black Falcon (Falco subniger) holds a unique place due to its deep black coloration and fearless hunting style. It is found mostly in Australia and amazes viewers with its shiny black flight, intelligence and power.

While falcons like the Peregrine or Saker are often featured in the news, the Black Falcon is a hidden treasure — a bird that is considered a symbol of mystery, strength and skill among birds of prey.

Let’s take a peek into the world of this magnificent predator and discover its life, abilities and secrets.

Scientific classification:

Scientific name: Falco subniger

Family: Falconidae

Order: Falconiformes

Common name: Black falcon

Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Distribution: Australia and surrounding areas

The word subniger means “almost black,” reflecting its dark plumage. Although it is called “black,” its feathers often appear dark brown or chocolate in the sun with lighter edges.

Body structure and identification

The black falcon is larger and more slender than other falcons. Its structure provides the perfect combination of speed, strength, and aerial balance—all essential traits for survival in the open plains.

Size and structure

Length: 55 to 65 cm

Wingspan: 110 to 130 cm

Weight: 600 to 900 g

Its long pointed wings and slender body make it suitable for fast flight over wide areas. It is often confused with a brown eagle or hawk, but its dark wings and falcon-like flight make it easy to identify.

Distinguishing features

Full dark brown or black wings

Bluish-gray beak and legs

Dark brown eyes

Light bifurcated tail

Strong curved beak for tearing prey

Young falcons are usually light in color and have light stripes on the chest that darken with age.

Habitat and distribution

The black falcon is an Australian native bird found throughout the continent, except in dense forests and coastal rainforests. Its preferred habitats include:

Open grasslands

Savannahs

Agricultural lands

Desert edges

River banks and valleys

These open areas provide it with a wide field of view and fast flight for hunting. It often roosts on dead trees, electricity poles or fences while searching for prey.

It is mostly seen in inland Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia.

Behavior and Lifestyle

The black falcon is generally a solitary and territorial bird. It is usually seen alone or in pairs. Unlike other falcons that swoop from high above, this falcon hunts by flying fast close to the ground.

Flight Style

It is a powerful and agile bird with a smooth, steady, and fast flight. It flies close to the ground and catches its prey with a sudden attack.

Hunting Style

The black falcon is an opportunistic hunter. It hunts during the day and targets small animals in open fields or plowed areas.

Its hunting methods include:

Sudden ground attacks

Aerial pursuit (chasing birds in the air)

Cooperative hunting in pairs

Its speed and accuracy make it a dangerous aerial predator.

Diet and eating habits

As a carnivorous bird, the black falcon feeds on small and medium-sized animals.

Common prey includes:

Small birds (pigeons, parrots, sparrows)

Rabbits and mice

Lizards

Large insects

Sometimes small bats

It eats its prey after plucking its wings — a characteristic behavior of falcons. If the prey is plentiful, it will also store it in trees.

Its keen eyesight gives it the ability to detect movement from a distance — which is essential for survival in open areas.

Breeding

The breeding season for the black falcon is from July to December.

Nest

This bird does not build its own nest, but uses the nests of other larger birds, such as crows or kites. These nests are usually built on eucalyptus trees or rocks.

Eggs and chicks

Number of eggs: 2 to 4

Egg color: light white, with reddish spots

Incubation period: 30 to 35 days

Both parents take care of the chick’s safety and feeding. The chicks learn to fly in 6–7 weeks and stay close to their parents for several months.

Ecological role

As a top predator, the black falcon plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance. It controls the population of small birds and rodents, which protects agricultural areas.

It thus serves as a natural protector for farmers.

Role in falconry

Although rare, the black falcon holds a special place in modern falconry. Its intelligence, speed, and strength make it a valuable bird for expert falconers.

Falconry Features

Can be trained but requires patience

Independent and strong nature

Great endurance and fast flight

It is not suitable for beginner falconers as its hunting instincts are very strong.

Threats and protection

Although the black falcon is listed as protected by the IUCN, its population is declining in South Australia.

Major threats

Habitat destruction due to land clearing and farming

Prey loss (due to the use of pesticides)

Collision with power lines

Poaching or nest destruction

This bird is protected under Australian wildlife law. Restoration of natural habitat and reduction of chemical use are essential for its survival.

Beliefs, symbolism and cultural significance

For centuries, falcons have been a symbol of freedom, strength and attention to humans. The black falcon is considered a symbol of power, mystery and protection due to its dark and mysterious coloration.

In some Aboriginal Australian tribes, birds of prey are considered messengers of the spirit world. The black falcon’s silent flight and sharp gaze make it a spiritual symbol.

Black Falcon vs Peregrine Falcon

Characteristics Black Falcon (Falco subniger) Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Color Dark brown or black with bluish-gray, white underparts
Size Relatively large and lean but powerful
Hunting style Fast ground flight in open areas Lightning-fast swoops from high altitude
Distribution Australia only Worldwide
Speed ​​Fast but not as fast as the Peregrine The fastest bird in the world (up to 390 km/h)
Nature Calm, territorial, aggressive and warlike
Both are excellent hunters, but the silence and endurance of the Black Falcon make it unique in its own land.

Observation and photography tips

Seeing or photographing a Black Falcon is an exciting experience.

Tips:

Location: Open fields, valleys or riverbanks of inland Australia.

Time: Early morning or evening when it hunts.

Behavior: Watch for the large black bird flying fast close to the ground.

Equipment: Binoculars or a camera with a 300mm+ lens.

Ethical considerations: Do not approach nests.

If you catch it in flight on camera, it will certainly be a rare achievement.

Interesting facts

Australia’s only large black falcon.

Often mistaken for a black kite.

It steals prey from other birds of prey (kleptoparasitism).

Its eyes can see movement over a kilometer away.

Despite its black color, it thrives in warm areas.

Conservation efforts and the future

Australian zoologists and birdwatching groups are constantly monitoring the black falcon population.

Their efforts include:

Protecting nesting trees

Educating farmers about the importance of falcons

Installing artificial nests

These measures are beneficial not only for black falcons but also for other native birds.