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In flight, outer upperwing (“hand”) is noticeably darker than the inner wing and back.
Vulnerable
Sensitive species — location data may be restricted
Indigenous: Smoke Hawk, Blue Hawk
At a glance
FamilyFalcons and Caracaras
SizeLarge
RarityUncommon
HabitatOpen country, coast, woodland edge, river corridors, and thermal-rich skies over fields or ridgelines.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from July to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Jim Holmes
Range map
Range map
586visible hotspots
822visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Seldom-seen pale gray falcon of inland Australia found in arid grassland and woodland habitats, where it sometimes perches high on communication towers. Pale gray upperparts and white underparts, with faint dark streaks below. Legs fully feathered (unlike the long, bare legs of Brown Falcon). Wings not as pointed as hobby or Peregrine Falcon.
Behavior
Pale inland Brown Falcons are often misidentified as this species: note that Gray Falcon is unlikely to be seen perched in low bushes or feeding from the ground.
Gallery