Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis) - HBW 2, p. 269

French: Petit Faucon German: Australischer Baumfalke Spanish: Alcotán Australiano
Other common names: Little Falcon

Taxonomy: Falco longipennis Swainson, 1837, Tasmania.
Forms superspecies with F. severus, and perhaps also with F. subbuteo and F. cuvierii. Pale race murchisonianus of inland and N Australia commonly recognized, but probably invalid because intergradation occurs with dark birds of S humid areas. Population on Lesser Sunda Is apparently a distinct race, although very limited information available. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • hanieli Hellmayr, 1914 - Lesser Sundas, from Lombok to Timor.
  • longipennis Swainson, 1837 - Australia and Tasmania; outside breeding season occurs N to New Guinea, New Britain and Moluccas.

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