Birds diurnal

Black Falcon

Falco subniger

Meet the dark phantom of the Australian outback. The Black Falcon is a master of high-speed pursuit and one of the rarest raptor sightings for backyard enthusiasts.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 45–55 cm (18–22 in); Wingspan: 95–115 cm (37–45 in); Weight: 500–1000 g (1.1–2.2 lbs)

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Colors

Uniformly sooty-black to dark chocolate brown; pale greyish or white chin; bluish-grey cere and eye-ring

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Key Features

Uniformly dark plumage with very little contrast
Long, pointed wings that nearly reach the tail tip when perched
Distinctive square-cut tail
Powerful, direct flight with deep, rapid wing beats

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 7-10 AM and 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round, with increased coastal sightings during inland droughts

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Diet Primarily birds (up to the size of a cockatoo) caught in flight, supplemented by ground-dwelling mammals, large insects, and occasionally carrion.

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Habitat Open woodlands, arid grasslands, and tree-lined watercourses in the Australian interior, moving toward coastal plains during droughts.

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Behavior

The Black Falcon is a bold and opportunistic hunter, often described as the most 'charismatic' of Australia's raptors due to its aggressive flying style. Unlike many other falcons that rely on stealth, the Black Falcon frequently uses sheer speed and persistence to exhaust its prey in mid-air. It is a highly social hunter at times, known to follow bushfires, tractors, or even larger livestock to snatch up flushed insects and small animals.

While they are generally solitary or found in pairs, they are also notorious for 'kleptoparasitism'—the practice of stealing prey from other birds of prey like Whistling Kites or Little Eagles. In terms of human interaction, they are wary but can become accustomed to observers in rural or agricultural settings, particularly where land management activities provide easy hunting opportunities.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Black Falcon on a backyard or trail camera is a significant achievement due to their large home ranges and elusive nature. To maximize your chances, place your camera in an elevated position overlooking a wide-open space or near a permanent water source. If you have a tall, dead 'stag' tree on your property, this is a prime location; Black Falcons love these high, unobstructed vantage points for scanning the ground for movement. Angle the camera slightly downward from a height of at least 10-15 feet if possible, using a tree mount or a high pole.

While falcons aren't typically attracted to traditional bird feeders, they are drawn to areas with high activity from smaller birds like galahs or pigeons. If your camera is near a large bird bath or a trough, you are more likely to capture them stopping for a drink or a bathe, particularly during the hotter parts of the day. Using a camera with a fast trigger speed (under 0.3 seconds) is vital, as their movements are incredibly swift, and a slow camera will likely only capture a dark blur.

During the winter months, focus your efforts on the fringes of agricultural land where they may be following harvest activity. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or 'Photo + Video' to ensure you see the bird's silhouette in flight, which is key for identification. Because they are so dark, ensure your camera has good dynamic range or set the exposure slightly higher if the camera is pointing toward the sky to avoid the bird appearing as a featureless black shadow.

Similar Species

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

Brown Falcon

Brown Falcons have a more rounded wing tip, longer legs when perched, and a distinctive dark 'tear-drop' mark under the eye.

Peregrine Falcon (Dark Morph)

Peregrines have a much heavier 'helmeted' head appearance and shorter, broader wings compared to the lanky build of the Black Falcon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Falcons are diurnal and most active during the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon when their prey—other birds—are also on the move. However, they may hunt throughout the day if there is a fire or machinery flushing out prey.

You cannot easily 'attract' them like songbirds, but you can make your property more appealing by maintaining large, tall trees for perching and providing a large, clean water source like a livestock trough or a wide ground-level bird bath.

Their diet consists mostly of smaller birds caught in the air. They also eat rabbits, lizards, and large grasshoppers. They are famous for being 'pirates,' often stealing food from other hawks and kites.

They are generally rare in the suburbs, preferring the open plains of the interior. However, during severe inland droughts, they frequently migrate toward the coast and can be seen on the outskirts of major cities.

Black Falcons have much pointier wings and a faster, more purposeful flight. While some Brown Falcons are very dark, the Black Falcon lacks the distinct 'tear-strip' facial markings and has a more uniform, soot-like color.

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