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.
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.
"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 Abbott
"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."
