FALCO SUBNIGER, Gray.
Black Falcon.
Falco subniger, Gray in Ann. Nat. Hist. 1843, p. 371.—Gray and Mitch. Gen. of Birds, pl. 8.—List of Birds in Brit. Mus. Coll., part i. 2nd edit. p. 50.
Falco ( Hierofalco) subniger, Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 76.
All that I am able to communicate respecting this rare species of Falcon is that I have seen four examples, which were killed in South Australia; no particulars of its habits have yet been recorded: it was observed by Captain Sturt during his expedition into the interior of that country, and he has favoured me with a note, in which he says, “This well-shaped and rapid bird was killed at the Depôt, where both male and female were procured, but it was by no means common, only two others having been seen.”
It is a fine and powerful species, and is doubtless very destructive to birds and the smaller quadrupeds.
The entire plumage dark sooty brown, becoming paler on the edges of the feathers of the upper surface; chin whitish; irides dark brown; cere yellow; bill lead-colour; legs and feet leaden yellow; claws black.
The figure represents a female, which is one-third larger than the male, of the natural size.
FALCO FRONTATUS: Gould.
J. & E. Gould del et lith. C. Hullmandel Imp.