Falcons

(Family Falconidae)

The Black Falcon Falco subniger and the Grey Falcon F. hypoleuca are the only endemics of the seven species recorded in Australia. The Australian Hobby F. longipennis, Brown Falcon F. berigora and Nankeen Kestrel F. cenchroides also occur in neighbouring countries, while the Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus, has a cosmopolitan distribution. The Eurasian Hobby F. subbuteo is known only as a vagrant. All are carnivores or insectivores, with sharp claws, a hook-shaped bills and streamlined body for fast flight.