Brown Falcons
Was out with a group conducting a quarterly bird survey. The area is open woodland and grasslands Ideal Brown Falcon territory.
We had turned a corner into an open area, and a bird rose off the ground up ahead. With outstretched white wings and body, the first thought from the group was “Nankeen Kestrel”.
But the body size and wing action was of a Brown Falcon, and as it flew past, I managed a few frames, and sure enough. Brown Falcon. Which at the time I described it as “White-Brown Falcon”.
Which started the usual birdo discussions of nomenclature, bird naming, morph styles and correcting my error of naming it as “White”.
Click on photo for a larger view
The “White” Brown Falcon that started the discussion
In the afternoon walk, Mr An Onymous and left the group to follow a track along a ridge-line as it was in shade and cooler. In a few minutes we saw on Brown on a tree, then heard the raucous call of an incoming bird. A food delivery no doubt and we went to look. The “White” bird flew into a tree with a snack, and the first bird followed and after some in-depth Falcon discussion they both flew out together with two rich brown juveniles.
And thinking back over the experience, I began to wonder how many ‘White” Falcons I’d seen over the years. There used to be a theory that the lighter morph (there I used the term) were of the forest, while the darker variety were of the open plains. Now it seems the changes in colour might have something to do with age, and also sex. There are some magicians of the black art variety that are able to look at the variations of the dress, and cere and eye-ring and determine age and sex. It is I have to say an art that I have failed in on all occassions.
So here are a few of the local birds that I’ve encountered over the years.
This handsome bird was one of a pair of Light coloured birds that were in our area over the winter
This is the same “White” bird that I had noted from a previous count
Long time readers may remember Cassia, of Cinnamon
She was sitting among the pines, keeping out of the wind
I nearly missed spotting her, and had to go back for a second look.
Then the sun came out.
It really burnished her recent moult into rich brown new feathers.
Another bird that caused consternation for those who spotted it. Such a dark chocolate colour that at a distance looked like a Black Falcon.
However on closer examination the face mask and stance were of a very dark Brown Falcon.
This one was on the side of the road and at a distance I thought it would be a Kestrel.
And interesting combo of a light marbled chest.
It’s not wary of me, but of a vehicle that is coming down the road, going fast and then slow. Vehicles at speed they can deal with, but the erratic causes them concern.
The rich honey colours of a recently fledged bird.
The dark juvenile colours will change out at the first moult. Interestingly the rich honey tones will change lighter as the bird spends time in the open sunshine.
High Action
Enjoy
PS Betcha can pick the male from the female in the header photo
I always think of this cover painting by Susan McInnes from the Gould League “Birds of South-eastern Australia” series. This book has been much travelled in our family
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 