From Opus

Alternative name: Little Falcon

Photo by Nora
Melton, Melbourne, Australia

Falco longipennis

[edit] Identification

One of Australia's smallest raptors and is about 30-36 cm long. Resembles the Peregrine Falcon, however it is much smaller and has darker plumage. It gets its scientific name from its narrow long-flighted wings.

[edit] Distribution

Found mainly in Australia. It is also a winter migrant to Indonesia and New Guinea.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 3 subspecies

• F l longipennis
• F l hanieli
• F l murchisonianus

[edit] Habitat

Open woodlands, parks and gardens.

[edit] Behaviour

It inhabits open woodlands where it manoeuvres swiftly through the foliage in chase of other birds. They will hunt small birds, up to nearly their own size, and are often seen at dusk hunting bats and large insects.

Breeding: When breeding it takes over nests of other birds. The female incubates and broods young while the male hunts.

[edit] References

Nationmaster

[edit] External Links