Birds diurnal

Brown Falcon

Falco berigora

With its soulful eyes and versatile hunting style, the Brown Falcon is a charismatic fixture of the Australian landscape. Whether perched regally on a fence post or stalking prey on foot, this adaptable raptor is a favorite for backyard observers.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length 40-50 cm (16-20 in); Wingspan 82-115 cm (32-45 in); Weight 350-800g (0.8-1.8 lbs)

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Colors

Highly variable plumage (morphs) ranging from pale sandy-brown to almost black; typically has a dark teardrop mark under the eye and pale throat

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Key Features

Distinctive dark 'teardrop' mark under each eye
Long, unfeathered bluish-grey legs
Broad, rounded wings compared to other pointed-wing falcons
Heavy, somewhat sluggish flight style

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 7-11 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A generalist predator eating small mammals (mice, young rabbits), reptiles, large insects (grasshoppers, beetles), and occasionally small birds or carrion.

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Habitat Open grasslands, agricultural lands, scrublands, and suburban fringes with scattered trees for perching.

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Behavior

The Brown Falcon is one of Australia's most adaptable and frequently seen raptors. Unlike the high-speed aerial pursuits of its relatives, this falcon is a 'sit-and-wait' predator. You will most often see it perched conspicuously on power lines, fence posts, or dead tree branches, scanning the ground for movement. It is notably less skittish than other falcons and will often allow observers to get relatively close before taking flight with its characteristic heavy, rowing wingbeats.

These birds are unique for their terrestrial habits; they are quite comfortable on the ground and will walk or hop to chase down insects and reptiles. They are also known for their loud, cackling calls—a series of coarse 'ra-ra-ra' sounds—that are often heard at dawn or when defending their territory. While usually solitary, they can be surprisingly social, congregating in large groups around seasonal food gluts like grasshopper swarms or following farm machinery to catch disturbed prey.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of a Brown Falcon, you must leverage their preference for high vantage points. If your property has a prominent dead limb or a tall fence post with a clear view of an open field, this is your primary target. Mount your camera at a slight upward angle toward these perches. Because they have exceptional eyesight, use a camera with a 'no-glow' or 'low-glow' infrared flash for any low-light activity, and ensure the housing is well-camouflaged to avoid spooking them when they land.

Brown Falcons are one of the few raptors that spend significant time on the ground. If you have a patch of recently cleared earth or a mowed firebreak, place a camera at knee-height facing the open ground. They are particularly attracted to water sources in drier environments. A stable, shallow birdbath or a livestock trough can be a magnet for them; they are vigorous bathers and will often spend several minutes splashing, which makes for spectacular video content. Position the camera about 5-10 feet from the water source for the best frame filling.

For technical settings, a fast trigger speed is essential—aim for 0.2 seconds or faster. Set your video to the highest possible frame rate (60fps or higher) to capture the detail in their wings during takeoff and landing. If your camera supports it, 'Time-Lapse' mode during the middle of the day can sometimes catch them sunning themselves on a perch, while high-sensitivity motion sensors are better for the early morning hunting hours. Avoid placing cameras in areas where long grass will blow in the wind, as this will result in thousands of 'false' triggers due to the bird's preferred open-country habitat.

Similar Species

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

Nankeen Kestrel

Much smaller with a lighter, reddish-brown back and a habit of hovering perfectly still while hunting.

Peregrine Falcon

Features a much darker, solid 'hood' and pointed wings, with a faster, more direct flight path.

Black Falcon

Sleeker and faster with more uniform dark plumage and lacks the distinct teardrop mark of the Brown Falcon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown Falcons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are most frequently seen hunting in the mid-morning and late afternoon when thermal updrafts help them soar and prey is most active on the ground.

The best way to attract Brown Falcons is to provide tall, stable perching sites like 'raptor poles' and maintain a chemical-free garden that supports their natural prey like lizards and large insects. A reliable water source like a large birdbath is also very effective.

They are generalists that eat a wide variety of prey including mice, small rabbits, lizards, snakes, and large insects like grasshoppers. They are even known to scavenge carrion or steal food from other birds.

Yes, they are common in outer suburban areas, particularly where there are large parks, golf courses, or adjacent farmland. They are less common in dense urban centers than the smaller Nankeen Kestrel.

Brown Falcons are significantly larger and heavier than kestrels. Look for the 'double teardrop' mark on the face of the Brown Falcon; kestrels are smaller, have a more reddish-brown back, and are much more likely to hover perfectly still in the air.

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