Grey Falcon | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Falconiformes |
Family: | Falconidae |
Genus: | Falco |
Species: | F. hypoleucos |
Binomial name | |
Falco hypoleucos Gould, 1841 |
The Grey Falcon, Falco hypoleucos, is a rare medium-sized falcon, one of the enigmatic ‘mystery’ birds of Australia, neither easily nor predictably seen.
Contents |
Mainly grey upperparts and white underparts; darker on the tips of the flight feathers; yellow cere. Body length 30–45 cm; wingspan 85–95 cm; weight 350-600 g. Females larger.[1]
The Grey Falcon is an Australian endemic, usually confined to the arid inland. Open country: Triodia grassland, Acacia shrubland, and lightly timbered arid woodland.[1]
It is found at very low densities, numbering only 1,000 breeding pairs, and the population may be stable. Continued high levels of grazing in arid zone rangelands and clearance of the semi-arid zone for marginal farming is degrading habitat.[1]
It is considered to be Near Threatened. Listed on CITES Appendix II.
Grey Falcon are not listed as threatened on the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Mainly birds, especially parrots; also small mammals, reptiles and insects.[1]
Nests in trees, utilising stick nests of other species. Clutch size 2-3.[1]