Australian Hobby

Least Concern

Falco longipennis

A swift and skilful hunter of the Australian skies, this compact falcon rockets through city parks and woodlands at high speed to catch birds mid-flight.

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

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Resident
Breeding

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 92
Strength 68
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 75
Endurance 82

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 7 - 10 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 10.2 years [1]
0
3
6
9
12

years

The Australian Hobby typically lives for 7 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.2 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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

Global Population Trend

Increasing[3]

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:

Falconidae

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?

  1. Australian Hobbies can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) when diving for prey.
  2. They are one of the few diurnal birds known to regularly hunt bats.
  3. In urban areas, they often nest on man-made structures like tall buildings and communication towers.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Falco longipennis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22696473A93566304.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2001: Ferguson-Lees and Christie

  3. 1

    website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme

    View source