A Failed Breeding Attempt by the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos near Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Abstract

A breeding attempt by a pair of Grey Falcons Falco hypoleucos was observed for ~23.5 hours spread over 9 days of the incubation period at a site 40 km north-west of Alice Springs, in the south of the Northern Territory. The birds were discovered during the incubation phase on 19 September 2010, and nest watches of 1.7–7.5 h per day, covering all daylight hours, were conducted until the breeding attempt failed (owing to storm damage) and the nest was abandoned on 6 October. Observations continued until 12 October, but the nest was no longer attended. The behaviour and vocalisations of the adults are described; the active nest was attended for 93% of observation time. Four regurgitated pellets contained many feathers of Budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus.