NSW. They have often been observed using contour hunting (over treetops), surprising and taking birds on the wing. They will sometimes tail chase other birds over long distances, and less often engage in a Peregrine-like vertical stoop when hunting. The species preys upon and is sometimes the prey of other raptors. Diet The black falcon's diet primarily consists of bird species, from finch to cockatoo size but they have also been observed feeding on small mammals (i.e. rabbits, mice and rats), insects and carrion. Avian prey species include: various pigeons (including crested pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes and the feral rock dove Columba livia) Australian pipit (Anthus australis) Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) Australian ringneck (Barnardius zonarius) Black-faced Cuckooshrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) Blue bonnet (Northiella haematogaster) Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) Fairy martin (Petrochelidon ariel) Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus) Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) Honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) Horsfield's bush lark (Mirafra javanica) Little buttonquail (Turnix velox) Little corella (Cacatua sanguinea) Musk lorikeet (Glossopsitta concinna) Stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) Debus & Zuccon also observed the black falcon hunting turquoise parrot (Neophema pulchella) and apostlebird (Struthidea cinerea), but on these occasions the attacks were unsuccessful. Breeding Laying time: between May and November (usually July to September). Clutch size: 1 - 5 (usually 3 or 4). Egg size: 42x32 mm. Incubation: approximately 34 days (by female, possibly by male for short periods). Nestling period: 5.5 – 7 weeks. Life span: at least 12 years in the wild, and 20 years in captivity. The black falcon nests in living or dead trees, using the stick nests of corvids or other raptors. It may take over nests occupied by other birds. It appears there may be interspecific competition for nest sites between the black falcon and other raptors and corvids. Nest sites may be a limiting factor for black falcons, specifically where there has large-scale vegetation clearing, such as occurred in the sheep-wheat belt of NSW. During breeding season males perform courtship displays such as horizontal figure eights around the nest. The male bring food to the female during incubation and brooding. During the later nestling period both sexes may forage to feed the young. Post-fledging behaviour and development of young falcons appears to be very similar to that of the peregrine falcon, and includes spending time with siblings and parents, and practicing hunting, territorial and courtship behaviours. Vocalisations The most common