Accipitridae

A distinctive small falcon, pale rufous above, with contrasting black flight feathers, whitish below, black mark down through eye, fine black streaks on breast. Cere, eyering and legs yellow. Male: crown and tail pale-grey, Female: crown and tail light rufous-brown.

Diurnal, This is Australia's smallest falcon usually seen flying slowly or hovering in mid-air, as it searches for food in open grassy areas. It often perches on cliff faces, marking its perches with patches of white droppings and frequently hitching a ride on updrafts of wind.

Woodland Forest Grassland, Open and lightly timbered country; floodplains; coastal dunes and cliffs.

July August September October November December, 4 to 5; dull white or buff, reddish-brown freckles. . Incubation 26-28 days by female, young fledge 26 days. In good seasons, destrels rear successive broods.

Kakadu National Park

Carnivore, feeds mainly on insects; small lizards and mice.