Australian Hobby
Falco longipennis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Australian Hobby is a sleek, medium-sized falcon with a streamlined body and pointed wings. Its upperparts are dark slate-grey to blackish-brown, contrasting with a pale, streaked underside. The distinctive black 'moustache' marks and reddish-brown thighs are key identifying features.
Females are slightly larger and darker than males. Juveniles have a browner plumage with buff edges to their feathers, giving them a scaly appearance. The cere and eye-ring are blue-grey in adults, turning yellow as the bird matures.
Size
Length
30cm to 35cm
Wingspan
70cm to 84cm
Weight
190g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Grey Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Australian Hobby is found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania, and parts of Indonesia and New Guinea. It inhabits a variety of environments, including open woodlands, forest edges, and, increasingly, urban areas and farmlands.
While some populations are sedentary, others undertake partial migrations, moving northward during the Australian winter. In urban settings, they are often spotted in parks, gardens, and around tall buildings that mimic their natural cliff-side habitats.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Australian Hobby. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional agility demonstrated through high-speed aerial chases and the ability to catch prey mid-flight. Their streamlined body and pointed wings enable swift manoeuvring, with diving speeds reaching 100 km/h (62 mph). Particularly adept at twilight hunting of agile prey like bats and birds.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength for their size, capable of taking down prey up to medium-sized birds. Whilst not as powerful as larger falcons, they possess sufficient strength to carry and handle their prey effectively. Females, being slightly larger, demonstrate marginally greater strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species thriving across diverse habitats from sea level to 2,000 metres, including urban environments. Successfully adapted to hunting introduced species and utilising man-made structures for nesting. Shows remarkable flexibility in hunting behaviour and habitat selection.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays notable aggression during hunting and territorial defence, particularly in breeding season. Whilst not as aggressive as some larger raptors, they actively defend their territory with sharp vocalisations and will boldly pursue prey. Shows determined hunting behaviour at dawn and dusk.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Strong endurance evidenced by their ability to conduct extended hunting flights and aerial displays. Their partial migratory nature suggests good stamina, whilst their capacity for sustained pursuit of prey and regular twilight hunting activities demonstrates impressive stamina levels.
Diet
Australian Hobbies primarily feed on small to medium-sized birds, often targeting introduced species like House Sparrows and Starlings.
They also prey on large insects, particularly moths and beetles, which they may catch and eat on the wing. Bats are occasionally hunted during twilight hours.
Behaviour
Australian Hobbies are swift and agile flyers, often seen pursuing prey in high-speed aerial chases. They frequently hunt at dawn and dusk, taking advantage of low light conditions.
These falcons are generally solitary but may form loose pairs during the breeding season, engaging in spectacular aerial displays and vocalisations.
Vocalisation
The Australian Hobby has a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a rapid 'kee-kee-kee' or 'kik-kik-kik'.
During the breeding season, pairs engage in noisy aerial displays, exchanging sharp, chattering calls. When alarmed or defending territory, they emit a loud, piercing 'kek-kek-kek'.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from August to January in southern Australia and earlier in northern regions. Australian Hobbies form monogamous pairs and often reuse the same nesting site year after year.
They do not build their own nests but instead take over old nests of other birds, particularly those of crows or ravens. The female typically lays 2-4 eggs, which are pale buff in colour with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 35 days, primarily by the female, while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 35-42 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Australian Hobby is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While its population appears stable, the species faces threats from habitat loss due to urbanisation and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving woodland habitats and maintaining suitable nesting sites in urban areas.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Australian Hobbies perched on exposed branches or power lines
- Observe their distinctive rapid wing beats and agile flight patterns
- Listen for their sharp, chattering calls, especially during breeding season
- Watch for their hunting behaviour near open areas at dawn and dusk
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Little Falcon
Family:
FalconidaeAverage Lifespan
7 to 10 years
Max Lifespan
10.2 years [3]
Predators
Adult Australian Hobbies have few natural predators due to their agility and speed. However, eggs and nestlings may fall prey to larger birds of prey, snakes, and occasionally, cats in urban areas.
Did You Know?
- Australian Hobbies can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) when diving for prey.
- They are one of the few diurnal birds known to regularly hunt bats.
- In urban areas, they often nest on man-made structures like tall buildings and communication towers.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Falco longipennis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22696473A93566304.
View source - 2
report, 2001: Ferguson-Lees and Christie
- 3
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source
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