Australian Falcons
Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation
By: Stephen Debus
An invaluable resource for raptor biologists, birdwatchers, and all those that work with raptors.
Falcons are stunning and iconic birds. Australia has six falcon species, with two endemic to the continent and two others endemic to the Australasian region. They are important indicators of the health of our ecosystems, due to their position at the top of the food chain. But several species are declining, with two species threatened in some states. + Full description
In Australian Falcons: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation, Dr Stephen Debus provides a 30-year update of knowledge on these six species, as well as a falcon-like hawk, the Black-shouldered Kite. This book is based partly on the author’s field studies, as well as being a supplement to the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds (HANZAB) and recent global treatises. It offers up-to-date information on the Australian species, including their behaviours, ecology and biology. It reviews their population status and threats, and suggests what needs to be done to ensure the future of these spectacular birds.
Australian Falcons is an invaluable resource for raptor biologists, birdwatchers, wildlife rescuers and carers, raptor rehabilitators and zookeepers.
- Short descriptionReviews
"This is an authoritative update on this fascinating group of birds that will be of value to raptor ecologists, ornithologists more generally and the general public that has an interest in these iconic species."
James Fitzsimons, Corella, 2023
"This is a high-quality, highly readable book. It will be appreciated by anyone with an interest in Australian birds and, in particular,
Australian raptors. The strongest praise I can give it is that I came away with a renewed appreciation of the diversity and unique attributes of Australia’s six resident species of falcon."
Chris Pavey, Australian Field Ornithology, 2023
"Dr Stephen Debus has authored a fantastic new book, Australian Falcons: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation, which has been recently published by CSIRO Publishing and should be an invaluable resource for raptor biologists, birdwatchers, and all those that work with raptor conservation."
Wildlife Health Australia, 8 November 2022
"Stephen Debus is doubtless the best-known currently publishing author specialising in Australian raptors. [...] Rather than spell out the contents of each chapter I’ll leave you to imagine any aspect of a falcon’s life, behaviour, ecology, diet and anything else you might want to know about and I can assure you that if it’s known, it’s here!"
Ian Fraser, Natural History Reviews #31, November 2022
"The last synthesis of knowledge about Australian raptors was in 1993 (volume 2 of HANZAB). This book competently updates that account, and gives the impression of a concerted attempt to locate every paper published in the past 30 years. Some important references overlooked by HANZAB are also brought to attention."
Ian Abbott, Western Australian Bird Notes #184, December 2022
"For any birdwatcher, encounters with falcons are among the highlights of an outing. Here is a book that will help you to better understand them and the uncertain future they face. The book is highly recommended."
Sue Lashko, Canberra Bird Notes 47(2), January 2023
Details
Paperback | November 2022 | $ 49.99ISBN: 9781486315765 | 232 pages | 245 x 170 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour photographs
ePDF | November 2022
ISBN: 9781486315772
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | November 2022
ISBN: 9781486315789
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Provides up-to-date information on the biology, ecology, behaviour, conservation and management of the six falcon species, and one falcon-like hawk.
- Reviews the population status and threats of the Australian falcons.
- First comprehensive book on Australian falcons since the 1993 publication of HANZAB Volume 2.
- Features striking colour photos by photographer David Whelan.
Contents
ForewordPreface
Photographer’s acknowledgements
Introduction
Old World kestrels: Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides
Old Australian endemic: Brown Falcon Falco berigora
Hobbies: Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
Hierofalcon/peregrine cluster: Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos
Hierofalcons: Black Falcon Falco subniger
Peregrines: Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
The falcon breeding cycle
A falcon-like hawk: Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris
Epilogue
Bibliography
Other sources of information
Index
Authors
Dr Stephen Debus has studied Australia’s raptors, including falcons, for over 40 years. He is an honorary research associate in zoology at the University of New England. He is the author of Australasian Eagles and Eagle-like Birds, Australian Birds of Prey in Flight and Birds of Prey of Australia, and was awarded BirdLife Australia’s D.L. Serventy Medal for ornithological publication.
Related titles
