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Black Falcon

Falco subniger

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

Australia's most mysterious raptor, the Black Falcon is a master of high-speed pursuit and nomadic survival. Known for its striking, soot-colored plumage and powerful flight, this elusive hunter is the dark shadow of the outback skies.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 45–56 cm (18–22 in); Wingspan: 95–115 cm (37–45 in); Weight: 500–1,000 g (1.1–2.2 lbs)

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Colors

Uniformly sooty black to dark chocolate brown; juveniles are darker; pale blue-grey bill and feet.

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Key Features

Uniformly dark plumage with a slightly paler throat
Long, pointed wings that reach the tail tip when perched
Heavy-chested, powerful silhouette in flight
Pale blue-grey cere and eye-ring

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily birds (pigeons, parrots, starlings, and quail); also consumes small mammals, lizards, and large insects.

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Habitat Open woodlands, grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural plains; generally avoids dense forests and rugged mountains.

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Where Does the Black Falcon Live?

The Black Falcon is an iconic nomad of the Australian continent, found across all mainland states and territories. This species is a specialist of the vast interior, thriving in the arid and semi-arid zones that define the heart of Australia, though it frequently wanders into the Mediterranean climates of the south and the tropical grasslands of the north. While it is rarely seen in Tasmania or the heavily forested coastal ranges, it is a common sight in the expansive wheat belts and pastoral lands where open skies provide the perfect hunting ground.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

1 Countries

5.9M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Black Falcon is a bold and powerful aerial predator, known for a flight style that appears deceptively 'lazy' until it enters a high-speed pursuit. Unlike many other falcons that rely on steep dives (stoops), the Black Falcon often hunts by contour-hunting—flying low and fast over the ground to surprise prey, or by engaging in direct, exhausting tail-chases. They are highly intelligent opportunists, frequently observed following grass fires, farm machinery, or even other hunters to snatch up escaping birds and insects.

Socially, they are usually seen alone or in pairs, but they are remarkably nomadic. They lack the strict territoriality of the Peregrine Falcon, instead traveling vast distances across the Australian interior in response to rainfall and surges in prey populations. While generally wary of humans, they have adapted to agricultural landscapes where livestock and grain attract high numbers of their favorite avian prey.

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Camera Tips

To capture the elusive Black Falcon on a backyard or trail camera, focus on verticality and water. These raptors prefer high, commanding perches to survey their surroundings. If you have a large property with a tall, dead tree (often called a 'stag'), mount your camera facing a prominent branch at the top. Use a telephoto lens or a high-resolution sensor, as these birds are unlikely to land directly in front of a low-mounted camera unless lured by a specific resource.

In drier regions, water is the ultimate magnet. A wide, shallow stone birdbath or a livestock trough can attract Black Falcons looking to drink or bathe during the heat of the day. Position your camera at the edge of the water source, angled slightly upward to catch the bird as it descends. Because falcons are incredibly fast, set your camera to the shortest possible trigger speed (ideally under 0.2 seconds) and use 'Burst Mode' to capture 3–5 rapid-fire photos. This increases your chances of getting a sharp image of their distinctive wing shape during takeoff.

Time of day is critical for lighting these dark-feathered birds. Because their plumage is sooty and uniform, they can easily appear as a featureless silhouette in harsh midday sun. Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon when the low sun angle can highlight the subtle textures and brown tones in their feathers. If your camera allows for exposure adjustment, consider overexposing by +0.5 or +1.0 to ensure the dark underside of the bird isn't lost in shadow against a bright sky.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black Falcon.

Brown Falcon

Look for the Brown Falcon's baggy 'trousers' and slower, wobbling flight; the Black Falcon is sleeker and more uniform in color.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrines have a distinct black 'helmet' or cheek stripe and a shorter, more squared tail compared to the Black Falcon's all-dark head.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Black Falcons are diurnal hunters, most active in the early morning and late afternoon when prey birds are moving. However, they are also known to hunt in the middle of the day during grass fires or when farmers are harvesting crops.

Attracting them is difficult as they require large open spaces. However, providing a large, elevated water source and maintaining a bird-friendly habitat that attracts smaller prey birds like pigeons or galahs may encourage a passing falcon to visit.

Their diet consists mainly of other birds caught in flight, such as pigeons, starlings, and parrots. They also hunt ground-dwelling animals like rabbits, lizards, and large locusts during plagues.

They are generally rare in dense urban areas, preferring the open spaces of the countryside. However, they may occasionally appear in outer suburbs that border on farmland or large regional parks.

Black Falcons have a more uniform dark color, longer and more pointed wings, and a faster, more direct flight. Brown Falcons have distinct 'trousers' (feathered thighs), a more upright perching posture, and a double tear-streak on their face.

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