DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 
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3. Little Falcon Falco longipennis Swainson 
lon-gi-pen'-nis — L., longus, long ; L., penna, feather. 
Distribution . — Australia generally, and Tasmania. 
Notes . — Also called White-fronted Falcon, Duck-hawk, and Austra- 
lian Hobby. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly 
timbered country, or mountain ranges. It is more courageous in dispo- 
sition and stronger on the wing in proportion to its size than any other 
species of Australian Hawk. Its food consists chiefly of small birds, 
caught on the wing ; also large insects. 
Nest. — A loosely made structure of sticks and twigs, lined with soft 
bark ; placed in the topmost branches of a tall tree. Sometimes the deserted 
nest of another species is used, in which case it is relined with bark. 
Eggs. — Three, pale pinkish or buffy- white, almost hidden with reddish- 
brown markings, mostly thicker and heavier at the larger end. Breeding- 
season: September to December in eastern Australia. 
4. Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucus Gould 
hy-po-leuc-us — Gk, hypo, under; Gk, leucos, white. 
Distribution . — Australia, chiefly the inland areas. 
Notes . — Also called Blue Hawk and Smoke Hawk. Usually singly 
or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country or mountain 
ranges. It is a rare species, being less courageous in disposition and 
slower on the wing than the other Falcons. Its food consists of small 
birds, reptiles, and small mammals. 
Nest . — A large and loosely built structure, composed of sticks, and 
lined with soft bark or wool. Generally placed in the thin branches near 
the top of a tall tree. 
Eggs . — Two to four, buff or buffy-white, covered with small spots 
and blotches of rusty-red. Breeding-season : July to October. 
5. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Tunstall 
per-e-gn-nus — L., peregrinus , wandering. 
Distribution . — Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in 
North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. 
Notes . — Also called Black-cheeked Falcon. Usually singly or in pairs, 
frequenting alike inland and coastal districts, but showing a decided pre- 
ference for heavily timbered and rugged mountainous country. It is a 
bold and fearless bird, and in flight is easily the strongest and swiftest 
of all Australian Hawks. It preys upon various species of birds, such 
as Ducks and the smaller Parrots, all of which are killed from a blow with 
the hind claw delivered while making a lightning-like swoop. 
Nest . — Usually in a crevice of a precipitous rocky cliff ; sometimes in 
a hollow limb of a tree. 
