Sooty Falcon
NameSooty Falcon
Common NameSooty Falcon
Scientific NameFalco concolor
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)87
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)325
Plumage DetailsAdults are uniformly dark grey or sooty brown, often appearing almost blackish, with darker primary feathers. The undersides of the flight feathers are paler. They have bright yellow cere, orbital ring, and feet. Juveniles are browner with streaked underparts and a paler nape.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'kyak-kyak-kyak' or 'kek-kek-kek' series, often given in alarm or during territorial displays.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, coastal, mountain, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds in Northeast Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt, Sudan, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iran. It undertakes a long migration to winter in southern Africa and Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesUniform dark grey/sooty plumage, Slender body with long, pointed wings, Bright yellow cere and orbital ring, Yellow feet, Agile, swift flight
Description
The Sooty Falcon is a medium-sized, slender falcon known for its uniform dark plumage and agile flight. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in arid regions and wintering in southern Africa, preying primarily on insects and small birds caught in flight.
