Australian Hobby

Falco longipennisSwainson, 1838

Updated 21 March 2026

Least ConcernNative

Order: FALCONIFORMES
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco

At a glance

The Australian Hobby is a medium-sized bird, about 30–36 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size: 30–36 cm
Conservation status: Least Concern
Origin: Native
Best seen: Year-round
Commonness: Very common

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does an Australian Hobby look like?

The Australian Hobby is a medium-sized bird, about 30–36 cm long and weighing 132–365 g, identified by its wing tips extend past tail (perched); black hood with incomplete white collar; rufous-washed, finely streaked underparts; and dull yellow feet and tarsi.

The Australian hobby, also known as the little falcon, is one of six Australian members of the family Falconidae. This predominantly diurnal bird of prey derives its name 'longipennis' from its long primary wing feathers. It occurs throughout Australia and other neighbouring countries with migrating individuals found on the islands of Indonesia and New Guinea.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Wing tips extend past tail (perched)
Gives a sleek, tapered silhouette at rest, often described as 'bullet-like'.
02
Black hood with incomplete white collar
The dark cap and prominent facial mask contrast sharply with a conspicuous whitish patch on the side of the neck.
03
Rufous-washed, finely streaked underparts
Breast and belly show a warm rusty or buff background color, marked with fine, dark vertical streaks.
04
Dull yellow feet and tarsi
Conspicuously yellow feet and tarsi, providing a good ID mark on perched birds.

Field specs

Length: 30–36 cm
Weight: 132–365 g
Wingspan: 66 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

This bold falcon frequently perches on high, exposed branches with an upright posture and performs aggressive aerial displays, including steep stoops to harass larger birds.

flight

In flight, look for a scythe-like silhouette with long, pointed wings often held in a slightly drooped position during fast, flickering wingbeats and acrobatic maneuvers.

plumage

Look for a dark mask and cap contrasting with a pale forehead and whitish half-collar; the underparts are typically streaked over a rufous or rusty background.

size_and_shape

When perched, note the exceptionally long wings that extend to or just beyond the tip of the tail, creating a sleek, highly tapered silhouette.

voice

Listen for a high-pitched, rapid-fire 'kee-kee-kee-kee' chatter, frequently heard during alarm or while aggressively mobbing other birds.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see an Australian Hobby?

The Australian Hobby is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does an Australian Hobby eat?

The Australian Hobby feeds on terrestrial invertebrates and terrestrial vertebrates, usually foraging alone.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

4 photos

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