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 dis¬ 
position 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 bufTy-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-G k, 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 moun¬ 
tain 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-c-gri'-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 
preference lor 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. 
