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==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | Temperate grasslands and open woodlands, coastal cliffs and dunes, towns and cities. Possibly the most widely recorded bird in Australia | + | Temperate grasslands and open woodlands, coastal cliffs and dunes, towns and cities. Often seen on telegraph poles or dead trees. Possibly the most widely recorded bird in Australia |
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
Revision as of 22:00, 19 May 2009
Alternative name: Nankeen Kestrel
- Falco cenchroides
Identification
31cm (Male) to 35 cm (female). Male has grey head and tail, female pale rufous head and paler rufous tail. Rufous or brown above, white or off-white below, black tail tip. Female has blackspot in each feather.
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. Often seen on telegraph poles or dead trees. 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
