From Opus

Revision as of 21:54, 19 May 2009

Alternative name: Nankeen Kestrel

Male Australian Kestrel
Photo by Neil
Sydney, Australia

Falco cenchroides

Identification

31 to 35 cm. Rufous or brown above, white or off-white below, black tail tip.

Distribution

Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.

Taxonomy

There are 2 subspecies;

• F c cenchroides
• F c baru

Habitat

Temperate grasslands and open woodlands, coastal cliffs and dunes, towns and cities. Possibly the most widely recorded bird in Australia

Behaviour

The diet includes insects, small birds and reptiles and mice.

They nest in a tree hollow, cliff ledge or disused corvid's nest; 3-7 eggs are laid and are incubated by the female alone for 26 to 28 days. The male brings food.

References

Wikipedia The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds

External Links