Brown Falcon

Description:

A number of plumage morphs exist, with the primary distinction being between the pale morph and the dark morph. Both morphs usually have dark brown upperparts and wing coverts. Dark morph birds have predominantly dark underparts, although some light streaking is common. Pale morph birds have white underparts that are varyingly streaked with brown, sometimes heavily so. Pale individuals may also have prominently white undertail coverts and these may be diagnostic. They are found in light and dark forms and a variety of intermediates. Animals typically have red-brown heads with narrow black streaks with a light crown and off-white chin. Wings are a spotted red-brown with dark brown quills. Beaks are light blue/grey; eyes are brown. - Wiki (all info)

Habitat:

This gorgeous bird was spotted on the plains of Roebuck Plains Station near the Broome Bird Observatory (BBO). The location on the map is at the BBO as it was too hard trying to determine where on the map we were.

Notes:

This Falcon is holding its wings away from its body to cool itself down (pic 1). We were able to get close but thankfully did not disturb it. The second pic is after it flew down to the ground but I was never sure if it made a small kill or not! I remember in June, driving down to Coral Bay, WA from Derby, WA, seeing quite a few Brown Falcons sitting in trees alongside the highway. Reference: Warden at BBO for identifying the bird. Reference: http://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/Brow...